Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Wheelchair Shopping A-Z


Shopping for a wheelchair is not as easy as choosing the right dress for your date tonight. People who shop for a wheelchair for the first time are often overwhelmed by the number of choices. When you are not able to get the right wheelchair your disability will seem to get worse instead of better. Keep in mind that every wheelchair user will have different needs. If you are unsure which wheelchair to buy you can consult your doctor or therapist for advice.

Factors that you have to consider in choosing the right wheelchair includes your age, body type, gender, and type of disability. If speed is important for you, you may prefer an electric wheelchair over a manual chair. Wheelchair tires should also be chosen based on your driving conditions. The price that you pay for your wheelchair will depend on the cost of the chair itself, the cost of addition features, and cost of wheelchair accessories, cost of training on how to use the wheelchair, replacement parts, maintenance costs and future wheelchair upgrades among others.

Remember that you would perhaps use your chair for a long time. Thus, as expensive as they may seem, comfort is still the most important factor in buying a wheelchair for an uncomfortable wheelchair is the same as being uneasy in your own skin.

Buying a used wheelchair is not always a good idea. There is nothing to ensure you that the used wheelchair will fit your needs. Since wheelchairs are individually customized medical devices they are generally not meant for resale. Thus, choosing the right wheelchair requires the collective input of a doctor, therapist and you to make sure that the right wheelchair is matched to you.

Nevertheless, with the increasing cost of health care it is understandable if people look for alternatives like buying used wheelchairs or scooters. Just remember though that if you decide to buy a used wheelchair, make sure that your size and weight is within the capacity of the used chair. Remember also that second hand wheelchairs don’t have transferable warranties. This means that even if the warranty is still valid, if its ownership is transferred then the warranty would no longer be enforceable. So decide wisely when shopping for a used wheelchair.

To make sure that you are buying the right used wheelchair you can check on ads on the bulletin boards, websites and newsletters at your local rehabilitation hospital, independent living center or local disability organization. Do not rush into buying the first wheelchair that you see. Most importantly, do not buy a wheelchair simply because you like its style or color.

Wheelchairs Come In Many Styles

A wheelchair ramp may be used for electric wheelchairs; just be sure to get one that accommodates the width of your chair. When you use public transportation, as well as when you drive your own car, the chair will have to be secured while traveling. When children are severely injured they might face critical, debilitating accidents that impair their mobility. Wheelchairs offer mobility in a light package and now, they can be electric for increased mobility. Information about used electric wheelchairs can be found online or on a bulletin board in your physicians office. When you choose not to use the chair for an extended period of time, make sure the maintenance is still kept up on it.

When you see an able-bodied individual walking down the street you notice various things, but they will notice you in an electric wheelchair too. Electric wheelchairs are here to allow people to freely roam the streets and visit all of their favorite places without any complications. A variety of electric wheelchairs used and old may be purchased at most wheelchairs stores and on ebay for a affordable price. Information about used electric wheelchairs can be posted online, along with the general information about the chair.

When individuals are negotiating lifts and doorways for new environments, wheelchairs are an important consideration. Important factors to keep in mind while choosing an electric wheelchair; is the range of movement ability of the user. When you need a tour of a facility, be sure you advise them of your electric wheelchair status to ensure the area is accessible. When selecting wheelchairs people may choose from a variety of available options and features in this day and age. Wheelchairs offer a chair bound individual a freedom that was never within their reach before. Electric wheelchairs can be folded, this makes them easier to store in your automobile and in your home.

A wheelchair is a wheeled mobility device in which the user sits in and places his or her feet on two small folded down foot rest; this device allows them to move around freely. When people are eager to explore more energy-efficient modes of transportation, electric wheelchairs are in that category for physically challenged. Fortunately, electric wheelchairs are maneuvered by a joystick; this makes it easier for those who are lacking strong upper body strength. Important factors to consider when choosing a wheelchair is the type of terrain and the general weather it can hold up in. Wheelchairs allow the users to lead an independent and confident life as they are able to continue getting around in public again.