Wheelchair
How to Use and Exercise Care with Wheelchair
The wheelchair is one important part of life for any individual
who is disabled. It provides both much-needed mobility as
well as representing an individual's assertion of his independence.
This is especially true of able-bodied individuals who are
forced to use wheelchairs due to serious accidents or incapacitating
illnesses, and for those who do not wish to depend on others.
Great care has to be taken while choosing a wheelchair. Wheelchairs
with heavy bottom rests or large wheels can tip if the individual
fail to control their movement properly. Likewise, wheelchairs
with badly-designed bottoms can lead to ulcers due to the
constant rubbing of the skin with the base.
Four points which you must bear in mind when choosing a wheelchair
include the age, gender and body size of the individual and
the areas where the wheelchair is going to be used, the person’s
lifestyle, and also transportation needs.
Today, the wheelchairs are lighter, easier to handle, can
go longer distances and are generally more stable. The individual
has the choice to pick a manual or a power wheelchair depending
upon his needs. He can also choose flexible or rigid frames
in the case of manual wheelchairs.
The battery-powered wheelchairs do come in different styles
and they are usually more stable and come with stronger frames
since they are run at higher speeds. An individual can choose
to have a rear-wheel drive, a front-wheel drive or even a
mid-wheel drive. However, you must consult a specialist when
making decision because a wrong choice can lead to accidents
when driving outside the home.
Likewise, the individual will need good advice in choosing
the seat or back rest. These are the two critical parts of
a wheelchair which constantly rub against the body of the
individual. The individual of today can choose from the traditional
sling seat and back, foam cushions, air cushions or gel cushions.
They have respective advantages and it can be selected based
on an individual's comfort and medical needs.
Last but not least, a wheelchair will have to be maintained
properly. The tires must be in the right weight and inflation,
the battery must be regularly charged, the wheels should be
oiled frequently, and also, the seat rest must be kept clean,
and the brakes should be checked regularly. On a precaution
note, the children should not be allowed to play with wheelchairs.
The wheelchair user should also take enough precautions.
The individual should never use a door handle to pull himself
into a room for the door may close throwing him off balance,
and he must never he should not try to run the wheelchair
on gravel or rough surfaces which may damage the tires, and
also, he should take extra care on inclines and speeding should
not happen. A wheelchair is meant to provide mobility hence
it should not be used as a toy or plaything.
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