Untitled Document

home | contact | how it works | lease option | qualify for insurance | return instructions | how to fit | order status

	Main Considerations LARGE or SMALL diameter rear wheels. Large rear wheels enable the user to self propel and become independently mobile. Some wheelchairs are fitted with detachable rear wheels which allow the chair to be folded smaller and reduce the lifting weight. Wheelchairs fitted with smaller wheels allow the wheelchair to be more compact when folded (for stowage in a car boot for example) or when independent mobility is not a requirement. Seat WIDTH. A seat that is too wide means the user may have to reach further than necessary to the rear wheels in order to self-propel. It may also increase the overall width of the wheelchair. A seat that is too narrow may cause discomfort to the user, may prevent thicker outdoor clothing being worn and may also hinder transfers. Wheelchairs are mainly supplied in standard sizes. The most common seat widths are 17 and 18 inches respectively. Seat DEPTH. A seat that is too long prevents the user from bending their knees and may be uncomfortable. The front edge of the seat may rub and cause high pressures on the back of the knees and legs. A seat that is too short on the other hand means that the user's body weight is only supported on a relatively small area which again may cause discomfort. As a general guide, 1 inch clearance between the front of the seat and back of knee is required. The most common seat depths are 16 and 17 inches. Seat HEIGHT. The seat to ground height on most wheelchairs is approximately 19 inches. The simplest way to alter the seat height is to vary the thickness of cushion used. The footplate height on all standard wheelchairs is adjustable and should be set so as the users thighs are approximately horizontal to allow even weight distribution over the whole sitting area. Remember to allow around 2 inches clearance between the bottom of the footplate and the ground to prevent fouling on uneven pavement surfaces. Overall WIDTH. As the seat becomes wider so does the overall width of the wheelchair. For larger users, this increased width often causes difficulties around the home, especially when negotiating narrow doorways or where there are tight turns. The average adult wheelchair is 26 inches wide and the clearance through a standard doorway is around 27 to 28 inches. Note that in some cases, especially for the larger full time wheelchair user, adaptations to the home may be required. Transfers. There are a variety of ways in which a user may transfer or get in and out of the seat; e.g. front standing, sideways sliding or by being lifted with some form of sling and hoist equipment. Adequate seat width must be allowed for the user to stand up without getting caught by the arm rests, or to allow fitting and removal of the sling. The rear wheels on some self-propelled wheelchairs may hinder the user from side transfer. In such instances consult with customer service. Weight Limits. All wheelchairs have a maximum safe weight limit imposed on them by the manufacturers. For users over this weight, a limited range of heavy duty or reinforced wheelchairs is available, though usually to special order. Lifting Weight. With the exception of some new generation sports chairs, wheelchairs weigh anywhere between 29 to 40lbs depending on type. Some users and/or their attendants may find lifting quite difficult. By removing parts such as foot rests, arm rests and if possible, rear wheels, the overall weight can be reduced. Some wheelchairs fold to a smaller size than others, providing a smaller "package" to lift. Heavy duty wheelchairs, by design, are often much heavier than standard versions. Cushions. There are many types of wheelchair cushions available dependant on the users need. These range from simple 2 to 3 inch foam cushions to more sophisticated composite foam, air support, fluid or gel types. For the majority of wheelchair users, a standard comfort cushion will be all that is required. For full time users, those considered to be in a high risk category for developing pressure sores or those with skin or tissue damage seek further advice and specialist assessment. Terminology REAR WHEEL SIZE large wheels enable the user to propel themselves, small wheel s allow the wheelchair to be folded smaller. SEAT WIDTH the width between the arm rests of the wheelchair. When assessing , measure straight across the widest part of the hips when the user is sitting. SEAT LENGTH the length from the front of the seat to the back of the wheelchair. Measure from the back of the knee to the users back when they are sitting. SEAT HEIGHT the distance from the top of the seat to the ground. OVERALL WIDTH the widest part of a wheelchair is usually between the centres of the rear wheels.