A wheelchair is an investment. It can make or break a person’s ability to move around and be independent. With that being said, not all wheelchairs are created equal. Some are better for certain types of people than others. So how do you know which wheelchair is the perfect bone for you? Here are some tips to find out.
Tip#1: Reflect on Your Lifestyle
Do you want to be able to go exploring the outdoors on your own or do you just need something to get you around the house? Take a good look at your current lifestyle and the lifestyle you want to have once you receive your wheelchair. This will give you an idea of what type of wheelchair you’ll need and the features it will need to have.
Tip #2: Choose Your Type
There are many types of wheelchairs you can choose from. Some of the options available are:
- Manual wheelchair
- Power wheelchair
- Transport wheelchair
- Lightweight wheelchair
- Reclining wheelchair
- Tilt wheelchair
What you want to be able to accomplish while using your wheelchair is what will help you determine the best one for you.
Tip #3: Size Your Wheelchair
There’s no one size fit all wheelchair. All of our bodies are different so you need a wheelchair that is sized appropriately for yours. The most important measurements you need to take into account are the seat width, back height, seat depth, and seat-to-floor height. Work with a certified Assistive Technology Professional to determine the best measurements for you.
Tip #4: Choose Appropriate Features
You can add features to your wheelchair to make moving around easier. When it comes to features, the sky is the limit. You can add something as simple as a seat cushion to something more complex like USB ports. Add features that will make you comfortable and will allow you to be more independent.
Need Help Finding the Perfect Wheelchair?
If you want help finding your perfect wheelchair, Freedom Mobility can help. With the help of certified Assistive Technology Professionals and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists, we can help you find a wheelchair that you’ll love. We offer wheelchair purchases and wheelchair rental in Maryland so however long you’ll need a wheelchair, we have something for you. Call or contact us today to learn more!