Most people find themselves needing to select a wheelchair at some point. The wheelchair may be needed because of a temporary medical problem, such as a fractured ankle, or may be needed permanently due to advanced age or debilitating illness. Many people will decide that they really need two wheelchairs, one for daily use and a lighter weight wheelchair to use when traveling to the doctor, shopping or visiting friends.
There are many specialized, daily use wheelchairs available, customized to a patient’s special requirements. Most users, however, do not require a wheelchair costing many thousands of dollars, but still need to select a wheelchair that ‘fits’.
These features are available on standard wheelchairs:
- Large rear wheels, allowing either the user or a companion to push the chair.
- Standard seat sizes range from Youth (10″-15″) to Extra Wide (24″-34″).
- The standard chair weight is 35 lbs. or more. Lighter chairs cost more.
- Varying seat heights. Standard height is 20-21″ above the ground, suitable for those over 5′ tall. Shorter people need a seat height less than 19″.
- Either swingaway removable leg rests or optional elevating removable leg rests allowing legs to be raised 90 degrees.
- Armrests are 15″ or 11″; shorter arms allow users to sit closer to tables or desks. Some chairs have adjustable height arm rests. Removable or flipback arms make it easier to get in or out of the chair.
- Anyone who will be sitting for over 2 hours should invest in a cushion. There are 3 cushion options: foam or gel, contoured to assist with correct posture or cushions using either air or gel to help prevent bed sores.
Transport chairs have these differences from standard wheelchairs.
- Small rear wheels, meaning a companion must push the chair.
- Tires on transport chairs are ‘flat free’; they will not get flat or need to be filled with air. Most transport wheelchairs have 7″ or 8″ tires, although some like 12″ tires for increased stability.
fort hill pharmacy inc. has been family-owned and -operated since 1960. This CHAP accredited facility offers home delivery, a wide variety of home medical equipment, surgical and medical supplies and FAST and accurate prescription processing. They normally have prescriptions ready by the time patients have made the drive from the doctor’s office. When patients need to select Wheelchairs in Mystic, CT, they have the experience and knowledge to ensure that the wheelchair fits the user.