How To Choose And Use A Wheel Chair

What is a wheelchair?

A wheelchair is a chair with wheels that is used to move a person who is not able to walk. Wheelchairs are either manual, or powered by a battery. A manual wheelchair can be pushed by someone or moved by rolling the wheels with your hands. Other wheelchairs have a battery-powered motor that moves the chair.

Why do I need a wheelchair?

You may need a wheelchair for a short time or for the rest of your life. Wheelchairs can help you to continue doing activities you enjoy doing. A wheelchair can give you more freedom to do things on your own, such as carrying items from place to place. A wheelchair may help you do more activities if you have had trouble walking. Wheelchairs may also help you to save your strength and energy if you are injured. Your caregiver may want you to use a wheelchair if:

• You have had an illness or injury that does not allow you to walk.
  
  
• You are too weak to walk long distances.
  
  
• You are recovering from surgery.

What are the different kinds of wheelchairs?

• Manual wheelchair: Manual wheelchairs are best for a person with a strong and mobile (movable) upper body (arms, shoulders, back and trunk). There are many different styles of manual wheelchairs. These different styles make it easier to find a chair that meets your needs. Some wheelchairs are very light and some are very heavy. Light wheelchairs are easy to fold and put into a car. They are also easy to move. A heavy wheelchair might be more comfortable for a bigger person than a light wheelchair. Some wheelchairs have parts that can be moved, removed, or changed to fit your needs.
  
  
• Battery-powered wheelchair:
  
  
  • Some people are not able to move themselves and need a battery-powered wheelchair. The wheelchair batteries are charged at night so that you have enough power to use the chair the next day. There are many different styles of battery-powered wheelchairs. Some wheelchairs can be used on different ground surfaces such as pavement, dirt, and sand. Some battery-powered wheelchairs can be used to climb steps, or raise a person to reach objects.
    
    
  • Battery-powered wheelchairs may have a switch that moves the wheelchair, or a mouthpiece may be used if you cannot use your hands. The wheelchair moves by puffing into, or sipping on the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be attached to a tube which is connected to the motor. Another type of battery-powered wheelchair can be moved with a chin device. This chin device may be attached to an arm of the wheelchair that is connected to the battery cable.

What kind of wheelchair should I use?

• Because people have different physical (FIZ-i-kal) and personal needs, it is important to choose a wheelchair that is right for you. Special caregivers who are familiar with the different types of wheelchairs can help you choose one. These special caregivers may include physical therapists (THER-ah-pists) and occupational (ok-u-PAY-shun-al) therapists. The wheelchair should meet your physical needs and your lifestyle. Think about features of the wheelchair that you want and need. This will help to make sure that the wheelchair you buy will be right for you.
  
  
• You can buy or rent wheelchairs at medical supply stores. Some questions you may want to think about before buying a wheelchair are:
  
  
  • What kind of wheelchair will meet your needs now and in the future?
    
    
  • What are your questions about using a wheelchair?
    
    
  • Will the wheelchair be comfortable for your body?
    
    
  • Will the wheelchair be easy to move around?
    
    
  • Where (on what ground surfaces) will you be using the wheelchair?
    
    
  • Will you need a wheelchair that is easy to pack and take in a car?
    
    
  • Will the wheelchair be easy to use?
    
    
  • Will you be able to get in and out of the wheelchair easily?
    
    
  • Will you be able to use the wheelchair for a long time?
    
    
  • What does the wheelchair cost?
    
    
  • Will your health insurance pay part of the cost?

How do I use a wheel chair?

Learning how to use your wheelchair may take time. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to use your wheelchair. Following are some of the basic things you will need to learn in order to use your wheelchair:

• Moving your wheelchair while indoors:
  
  
  • Move your wheelchair on clear floors. Floors must be clean, dry, well-lit, and free of objects including throw rugs. All electrical cords should be moved out of the way.
    
    
  • Learn how to move safely through doorways.
    
    
  • When entering an elevator, back into the elevator instead of moving forward into the elevator. Backing into the elevator will allow you to more easily use the elevator control panel.
  
  

• Moving your wheelchair safely while outdoors:
  
  
  • Try to stay to the right side of hallways and sidewalks. This gives people room to move around you.
    
    
  • Slow down when you get to corners. Check for people or objects that may cause an accident.
    
    
  • Be careful when moving over ramps or curbs to avoid falling over.
  
  

• Getting in to and out of your wheelchair:
  
  
  • Footrests and armrests on some wheelchairs can be moved out of the way, or removed. Moving the footrests and armrests allows you to more easily get into and out of your chair.
    
    
  • Wheelchairs also have locks on the wheels to keep the wheelchair in one place. Always lock the wheelchair before getting into, or out of it.
  
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your illness, injury, and your wheelchair. You can then discuss your treatment options with your caregiver. You can work with him to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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