At MAP Medical Supplies Inc., we sell, rent and service wheelchairs.
Each day there are many individuals who unfortunately begin to lose the ability to perform basic “Daily Living Task”. This is due to injuries, diseases, surgeries, and simple Aging or Family related medical conditions that may occur throughout one’s life.
DECIDING IF A MANUEL WHEELCHAIR IS FOR YOU
Some people may retain enough upper body strength to self-propel a manual wheelchair. They may be able to function quite well.
In our opinion, if you can still move around under your own ability, you should do your best to do so. As the saying goes, “if you don’t use it, you will lose it”. This saying holds true in a person’s abilities to stay independent. Aside from the physical benefits, the mental status of the patient staying as independent as possible for as long as possible is priceless. However, every individual is different so do what works best for you.
Manual wheelchairs come in various weights, sizes, and colors. The standard manual wheelchair weighs on average around 40 pounds. A lightweight wheelchair is on average 32 pounds and an ultra-lightweight wheelchair can weigh on average about 20 pounds or even less. Keep in mind, the lighter the wheelchair the heavier the price tag since the type of materials used must be super lightweight but also super strong.
Some people simply don’t have enough upper body strength to use a manual wheelchair regardless of the weight of the Wheelchair. (The Power Mobility option is discussed in the Power Mobility article).
STANDARD WHEELCHAIRS
Standard Wheelchairs are 18” wide and have a weight limit of 250 pounds. But there are wider options from 20” to 36” with weight limits from 300 to about 800 pounds. They come in different widths to accommodate different sizes of users. We’ve seen many people fitting the wheelchair to the doors in the home instead of the patient’s size. The reason is understandable but it’s not a good recipe for success in the healing process. There are special hinges that add an extra 2” of door space to accommodate a larger wheelchair. Depending on the finishings, replacing an old original 100-year-old door that won’t accommodate an 18” wheelchair is usually affordable. An 18” has an overall width of about 24”.
Wheelchairs come with either standard length armrests, which make it easier for someone to use the armrests as supports when standing. And Desk Arm Lengths which makes it easier to get closer to a desk or table. These arms can be removable or attached.
There are Reclining Wheelchair which can make it more comfortable for someone who needs to sit for a long time and needs to shift body weight.
Various wheelchairs fit different skills, strength, and ability levels. Always recommended to ask your doctor and/or your Physical Therapist to help determine the best mobility equipment based on your limitations. That information can assist in choosing the appropriate mobility device. More damage can be done when using an inappropriate piece of mobility equipment.
Once you’ve determined which type of wheelchair is best for your needs, you should then find an experienced Mobility Equipment provider that not only can sell you the appropriate wheelchair but can also maintain it.
TRANSPORT WHEELCHAIRS
The ability of the Caretaker must come into play because they are the ones who will be lifting the wheelchair in and out of the car. At this point, it doesn’t matter what the patient’s abilities are because if the Caretaker is unable to lift the wheelchair, you won’t be going very far. However, there is another option called a “Transport Wheelchair”. These Wheelchairs do exactly what their name conveys which is to “Transport” the patient from the home to the car, the car to the Doctors office or other location and then reverse the process going home.
Transport wheelchairs usually fold down to a very compact size and can weigh less than 20lb making this a very manageable option for any Caretaker. Some people decide to use a manual chair around the home and only use the transport wheelchair when going out on errands or doctor appointments. The industry has even come up with a 2 in 1 option for space and/or convenience. There is a Deluxe version of the Transport Wheelchair which has larger rear wheels making it a smoother ride. There are the usual foot brakes but the deluxe also has hand brakes. Sometimes they will have adjustable height armrests.
I hope this article has given you some more insight into the wheelchair options available in today’s market. Don’t make a rash decision before talking with your healthcare professional and discussing your options.
MAP Medical Supplies staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have in your decision-making process. Call us at 818-860-7717.
