When purchasing a wheelchair for a senior, it’s important to consider the weight of the user and the weight of the chair itself. Heavier seniors may require heavy duty chairs that are tip resistant and built to support larger people.

How do I choose a wheelchair size?

Determine seat width by measuring the person’s hips from one side to the other, in a straight line. Then add two inches to this measurement to select a proper wheelchair seat width. Determine seat depth by measuring from the back of the hip to the back of the knee of the person while seated.

How do I choose a wheelchair?

Size matters when choosing a wheelchair. It’s very important to find a chair that is the correct size or you could have issues fitting in the chair if it’s too small or slipping out of it if it’s too big. Make sure to measure the width and height of the chair. Your age, weight and height should all be considered.

What should you check before using a wheelchair?

Then we need to check the following: Is their weight within safe working limits for the wheelchair being used. Can they be correctly positioned when in the wheelchair. Are they likely to shift or tip when in the wheelchair.

Which type of wheelchair is easiest to push?

Transport wheelchairs are also convenient easy to push wheelchairs, since they come with small wheels, one of the reasons to buy this type of wheelchair is so that the caregiver can effectively push the user without exerting too much energy with each push.

Can a wheelchair fit through a 28 inch door?

If you are looking to easily fit through a standard doorway of 32-inches, then the cushion size should not be more than 23 inches. As a matter of, if you really want to slip through those narrow 28 inches doorways, then you should go for wheelchairs with cushion sizes of 16 or 18 inches.

What is standard wheelchair width?

What is the width of a regular wheelchair? Average wheelchairs can measure up to 32 inches wide, with most ranging from 21 to 30 inches wide. However, sometimes the seat cushion itself can measure up to 30 inches, which means the entire wheelchair will certainly be larger than 32 inches!

How do I get a wheelchair through Medicare?

To qualify, you must have an in-person exam with your doctor. If the doctor believes you require a power mobility device, they will submit an order to Medicare recommending the wheelchair or scooter and stating that you’re able to operate it.

What is a Type 2 wheelchair?

Type 2 Wheelchair Lightweight wheelchairs are in the 25-38 lbs range and are often made of combinations of aluminum and carbon fiber. Suitable for more active wheelchair users, Type 2 wheelchairs include swing-away or elevating footrests and convenient removable arms for easier access and side transfers.

When should a wheelchair be checked?

General wheelchair care and maintenance Check every 3-4 months that all screws are secure. Check that all of the joints that are important for user safety are self-locking with special bolts. Clean the frame of the chair using a mild detergent. The backrest and cushion should only be cleaned using soap and water.

When should you start using a wheelchair?

Here are 5 signs that may indicate you need to make the transition.

• Your Doctor Recommends It.
• You’re Prone to Falling with Your Walker.
• You’ve Had a Change in Mobility.
• You Can’t Get Far with a Walker.
• Walking Causes Pain.
• Making the Switch.

What is the difference between a transport wheelchair and a standard wheelchair?

The biggest difference is that standard wheelchairs are designed with large wheels so that you can propel yourself, while transport wheelchairs have small wheels and are meant to be pushed from behind by a second person. If you will always have another person around to push, you should buy a transport wheelchair.

What is a self propelled wheelchair?

Self-propelled wheelchairs can be propelled by users themselves by using push-rims fitted on rear wheels. They also come with pushing handles, which makes it easy to be pushed by another person, if need be. Their larger rear wheels are an advantage when you need to push the chair over an obstacle.

Are big wheels better on wheelchair?

You’ll noticed that self-propelled have larger rear wheels than, for example, transit wheelchairs, which make it easier for you to get yourself moving. Those bigger wheels are also there to ensure a more comfortable ride, by making it easier to tackle different surfaces such as ramps and uneven surfaces.