A power wheelchair will allow you to gain independence while you are recovering from an injury. If your medical doctor has prescribed a power wheelchair, consider the chair model that will be best equipped to support your day-to-day activities.
Wheelchair Types
Research travel, full-size, and heavy-duty wheelchairs. Power models are all equipped to transport an end user indoors and outdoors. The differences between the models affect the amount of comfort that is supplied and the portability of a model.
A travel wheelchair is equipped for occasional use. A travel model is fairly compact in size and will be designed to hold a moderate amount of weight. A travel wheelchair can be folded up. This allows an end user to easily stow their power wheelchair within their vehicle.
A full-size model may contain more cushioning than a travel wheelchair. A full-size model may also contain armrests and footrests. This type of power chair is designed for heavy usage. A full-size model can be transported, but may not fold up as well as a travel model.
A heavy-duty wheelchair will support the most weight. This type of chair is designed for heavy usage. It will contain thick cushioned sections, armrests, and footrests. It may also contain a tray attachment, a tiltable backrest, and other features that are designed to improve a chair's functionality and comfort level.
The Fitting
Medical equipment retailers may sell a line of power wheelchairs. Before you settle on a particular chair model, make an appointment to be fitted for a chair. A fitting will ensure that the retail model you invest in will be equipped for your transport needs.
The fitting will allow you to test out the drive system that a model features. It will also help you determine if the comfort level of a chair will support you well enough while you are healing from your injury.
Other Considerations
Before you attend a fitting, take measurements of the doorways that your new power chair will need to fit through. Measure the cargo area within your vehicle too. When you visit the medical equipment retailer, furnish a sales associate with the measurements.
Let the sales associate know the manner in which you plan on using your new power chair. If you are only going to need to use a power chair on limited occasions, it may be cost-effective to purchase a travel chair. If your injury may take a while to heal, a larger chair model may be best suited for you.
For more information on retail power wheelchairs, contact a professional near you.
