People that use power wheelchairs are able to move around the house, go to work, and carry on most other routines with relative ease. There are even sports dedicated to people in wheelchairs including basketball and tennis. There are many types of wheelchairs ranging from manual to electric powered, and they come in a variety of styles and designs. Some even have storage compartments just below the seating area.
With so many types of wheelchairs out there, selecting the right one can be difficult. This is especially so if the person has just met with an accident or undergone surgery and requires them to rest their feet or legs for a couple of months and needs one quickly. The person that requires the wheelchair could also be someone who is old and their hands and legs have lost strength, making them dependent on others to tend to their needs, and to help them get from room to room. If one is working with a therapist or trainer with building muscles back up after a traumatic accident, one can ask for advice on a wheelchair. If the person’s upper body is healthy and strong, they can use a manual wheelchair to propel themselves around. If they are feebler however, or had a much larger injury that affects more than just their legs, they will require something that is easier to control and get around with. This is where a power wheelchair comes in handy.
Most electric wheelchairs today are much lighter and compact than they used to be. This makes them easier to be loaded and unloaded from vehicles. There are many types and brands of electric wheelchairs alone. There are also portable electric wheelchairs that can be taken apart. These usually break down into three to five light weight sections to store or transport very easily. Portable electric wheelchairs are great for transport if the person’s car is not large enough to fit a full size electric wheelchair in it, and does not want to use a wheelchair lift. If a person will be using their power wheelchair outside a lot, they might want a more sturdy and rugged wheelchair, instead of a light weight or portable model, which are more ideal for indoor use or light outdoor use.
If you will be spending most of your day in a wheelchair, then select one that has adjustable seating. You will want to be able to tilt and recline the backrest so there will be no discomfort in the spine. The foot rest should also be adjustable so your feet can have good blood circulation. If your legs are stuck in a single position for too long, it can cause discomfort because the muscles will tighten, making it difficult to flex them. If you prefer to use your left hand for controlling the electric wheelchair, or perhaps you can only use your left or right hand, be sure to specify where to have the controls fixed, on the left or right side. Most power wheelchairs come with the controls fixed on the right side unless specified otherwise. With all the electric wheelchairs out there, be sure to buy the one that best suits your lifestyle.
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