Determining What You Need From a Handicap Wheelchair

There are many kinds of handicapped wheelchairs to fit all kinds of accessibility needs. Wheelchairs can widely be classified into two categories: manual and motorized. Manual wheelchairs are still available even though motorized wheelchairs are becoming much more common these days. Of course, there are certain pros and cons that come with each kind of chair. Furthermore, many of these chairs have convenient features such as belts, cup holders, cushions for the seat and back, leg rests and trays.

For instance, manual wheelchairs do not require batteries, so they can operate without relying upon power. The user also gets to exercise his or her arms with a manual chair. However, this can become tiresome if the user has to travel long distances or for a long amount of time. One may also have to wear gloves when operating a manual machine, especially when the ground is wet. Those who plan to be outside a lot may want to look into a motorized chair.

With a motorized device, the user does not have to get his or her hands dirty by turning the wheels and get better shock support for rough surfaces. Those who do not have as much strength in their arms may also benefit most from an electric chair. Furthermore, if one plans to spend much time outside, this kind is perhaps the most convenient. In fact, an electric chair is not the most ideal for those who need a chair for inside use unless it is specially designed for indoor maneuvering.

In addition, with a motorized chair, the user has to remember to charge the battery overnight. Not surprisingly, these chairs also tend to be much more expensive than manual chairs. However, for those who can afford them, they get the convenience of operating the machine with a simple control such as a joystick. People who have more mobility capabilities can look into scooters that have front headlights and a storage basket.

There are many reasons why one may need a handicapped wheelchair. Afflictions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and strokes can affect the body in debilitating ways, so a little assistance may be required. Even temporary emergencies such as broken bones or other injury may cause the need of a wheelchair. However, when one believes he or she needs a wheelchair, it is important to understand what type of chair is best to suit his or her needs.

Kevin writes for a website about handicap chairs, which contains articles on handicapped wheelchairs.

Right Wheelchair For Disabled Person

If you need to buy a wheelchair for disabled person, it is very important to remember that each person has specific needs and best way to choose the right one is to try it. However, with so many different models of wheelchairs today on the market, deciding which one is the right one for disabled person needs, can be a real challenge.

First thing that you have to take into consideration is physical ability of disabled person. What kind of physical function disabled person can do? How will he or she control it or does disabled person need any specific function of the wheelchair, like adjustable height. Usually, the best option is to consult the doctor who observes disabled person health. Doctor's diagnosis should provide you with all answers that consider physical ability of future wheelchair user.

Very important factor is also, where this wheelchair will be used. Is it for outdoor or indoor use, or maybe for both? Are you going to travel a lot with it or is it only for office use? If you need a wheelchair for outdoor use mainly, then you will need a motorized wheelchair with high power motor. In that way you will be sure that this wheelchair can fulfill all your needs. If you choose this type, you also need to consider transportation for this wheelchair, because this one is not foldable. You will need a custom built van with wheelchair lift on it and you need to make sure that your wheelchair can fit into that vehicle.

There are so many different models of wheelchairs on the market today. Some people tend to choose wheelchair by it appearance. Although it is important how it looks, more important thing is how comfortable the wheelchair is to disabled person, and how long it will last. It is almost impossible to determine how long will your wheelchair be operational and in function. That usually depends on how you use it. If you have a busy lifestyle with a lot of traveling and outdoors activities or you are using your wheelchair on a lot of different terrains, it will probably last less then if you use it only at home. But in any case, it is very important to maintain your wheelchair properly. One of the factors that can help you to determine which one to choose is how hard or easy is to maintain it, and can you do it by yourself or you need a help from trained professional.

So before you buy it, make sure that wheelchair suits all your needs.

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Financing For Wheelchair Vans

You are helping your parents shop for a wheelchair van and you just are not sure where to start. After all, you drive a sedan and you don't know the first thing about buying a van. You are not really worried about choosing a van, but you are worried about paying for it. Rest easy -- there are so many options for paying for your parents' wheelchair vans that you will have this one paid for in no time.

The first thing that you should do is figure out what type of van you are looking for. You can purchase a minivan or a full-size conversion van. New wheelchair vans are more expensive than used ones. Once you figure out what type of van, lift ramp, and other features you're in need of, you'll have a better idea of how much the van is going to cost. When you know how much money you're going to need to pay for the van, you'll be in a better position to begin looking for grants, other forms of assistance, or financing.

Now that you know how much the specific van you're interested in is going to cost, it's time to look for assistance. The first place to look is for grants. There are nonprofit organizations all across the country that specialize in getting funding for wheelchair vans, so find their websites and contact information and start researching that option.

Another way to get funding is through the government. People who receive Social Security are eligible for a program called "Plan to Achieve Self Success." If your parent needs the wheelchair van because he or she will be using it to get to work or to school, the government will give you the money for a monthly vehicle payment. However, if your parents just need the van for basic transport to the grocery store and what not, you may have to consider other options.

Although it is never appealing, there is always the option to finance the van. If you are looking at these type of vans from a dealership, they may have on-site financing, or a bank that you have to go through. Many people who are financing their vehicles get their loans through private financial institutions. Whether or not you are able to obtain a loan, or how much your payment will be, depends on credit history and income.

Mobility Works seeks to provide their customers with the best in mobility equipment including new wheelchair vans and used wheelchair vans in various locations around the United States.

Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift Uses and Installations

Platform Lift or Ramp?

Only recently has building access for persons with disabilities been incorporated into building design. As a result, it is a challenge to accommodate buildings not originally designed with handicap access in mind. Solutions involving ramps require one foot of ramp for every inch of height attained, and generally cost in the neighborhood of 175 to 200 dollars per foot to complete. The amount of space required to accommodate a ramp solution is generally quite large, and it is near impossible to compliment the building and adjacent areas or meet local building codes. Vertical platform wheelchair lifts address these concerns with small footprints, structural options, configurations to meet codes, and with significantly lower costs.

What is a Vertical Wheelchair Lift?

Vertical wheelchair lifts are flat platforms that typically operate with screw type drives on standard 110 electrical outlets. They are often used for porch access outdoors as well as second story access inside homes or public buildings. Churches and schools may elect to use them to reach stages and public facilities, and often select them because they can be configured to meet ADA expectations. Standard designs are for straight-through entry/exit, but 90-degree turns or 3-stop lifts are also available.

Evaluate Your Location

When evaluating a location for a vertical lift, you should plan on having an area approximately 4.5 feet by 8.0 feet in order to address any entry/exit. Allow at least 3.5 to 4 feet of room directly in front of the lift entry to line up a wheelchair for access. Check to make sure there will be enough headroom over head when the lift is at full height. You should plan to have at least 7 feet of headroom above the platform at full height since passengers may be standing.

Foundation Considerations

A firm, stable base must be available as the foundation for any lift. Keep in mind that a 60-inch lift may weigh up to 1600 pounds when occupied, and 144-inch lifts may weigh over a ton when occupied. For most outdoor or basement applications, a concrete pad of at least 4 inches is preferred, and adding steel re-bar is best. Using supports such as recessed railroad ties is generally not advised on bare ground, as the ground may shift and reduce the stability of the lift. Typically, blacktop surfaces are thin by comparison and have a tendency to sink when exposed to heat; therefore, a blacktop foundation is not recommended. If you are installing the platform lift in a structure with wood floors, you must allow for the weight of the lift and the maximum capacity on the foot print of the lift. This can be as much as 1 ton or more so proper planning with regard to placement over the correct size floor joists is essential.

What about Outdoor Applications?

Vertical wheelchair lifts are also designed to operate outdoors with standard, UL approved, ground fault, 110-volt outlets. The motors are located at the top of a sealed control tower to prevent water damage. The floors on the basic residential models are designed to for use in all but the most extreme weather conditions.

Tricia St. Claire is a technical writer for medical and mobility supply websites. For more information on vertical platform wheelchair lifts, please visit Universal Accessibility.

Vertical Platform Lifts Vs Wheelchair Ramps

For a wheelchair user, the stairs can be a very difficult to use, if not impossible. Some manual wheelchair users are adept at dealing with staircases with no assistance, but this requires a good deal of skill and presents a risk to the wheelchair user. Instead, of trying to use the stairs in this manner, most wheelchair users choose to either install a wheelchair ramp or a vertical platform lift in their home. Both of these devices can greatly improve accessibility and make it much easier to get around.

The vertical platform lift is a very popular lifting aid, which is in many regards simply a self-contained elevator. It includes an elevator shaft, lifting platform, and lifting system all in one unit. They are placed next to the landing of a staircase and raise vertically from the ground level to the landing of the stairs. A metal platform is provided for users to drive their mobility vehicle onto, which is then raised and lowered by pushing one of the control buttons. Many vertical platform lifts also include wireless remotes, as well as call buttons at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Vertical platform lifts, which are frequently called wheelchair lifts, are usually designed to support at least 500 pounds, with some wheelchair lifts having weight capacities that exceed 700 pounds. They can be used by multiple people or to move goods, providing the weight capacity is not exceeded.

The wheelchair lift itself is quite heavy and requires a strong solid base to support it. The base should be made out of either concrete or wood, which is level and does not wobble. Installing a wheelchair lift is fairly simple, with the hardest part usually being moving the lift in place, as it is quite heavy. The lift is then secured to the base and plugged in.

Most vertical platform lifts cost between $3,400 and $15,000, but this varies by the model, as well as its features. For instance, most wheelchair lifts have a lifting height of 4 feet, which can then be upgraded for a fee to up to 12 feet.

Wheelchair ramps often offer a lower cost alternative to a wheelchair lift. They can be built from scratch using wood and there are usually several local companies that can build the ramp for you.

There are also modular wheelchair ramp kits available, which come in sections and are made out of metal. Each section arrives separately, then is fit together to form the ramp.

The size and length of the ramp, both modular and custom built, depends on the height of the staircase, although bends can be added to take up less space. However, even when bends are used, wheelchair ramps end up taking up a lot more space than a wheelchair lift would. Some wheelchair users will also find them difficult to use. In cases where there is only a step or two to bridge, smaller single piece threshold ramps are available, which are very affordable.

Deciding whether to go with a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair ramp is an important decision that should not only take into account cost, but also the needs of the user and where the device will be used.

Robert Dinland, an author, has a strong medical background. Finding a means of increasing accessibility at home is essential for wheelchair users. Many choose to install wheelchair lifts, as these devices are very, powerful, don't take up much space, and make using the home much easier. Learn more about accessibility tools and wheelchairs at the Wheelchair Guide

Wheelchair Safety During Transportation and Travel

This wheelchair safety advice is for people who use a wheelchair and for caregivers, family members and close friends who know someone in a wheelchair. It also applies to anyone who might be using a mobility scooter.

There are safety guidelines on how wheelchairs should be facing during travel. The best direction to sit is with the wheelchair facing forward because this offers the most protection. Positioning the wheelchair perpendicular to the vehicle is often dangerous because any jolts or jumps in the vehicle can tilt both the wheelchair and the user. No matter the position you intend on placing the wheelchair, make sure the wheelchair is secured to the ground of the vehicle and will not accidentally break free from the restraint during a pot hole. The heavier the wheelchair, the more you have to consider the strength of the restraint. There are vehicles with built in floor restraints that provide the best protection but make sure both the restraint and wheelchair are fitted.

When you are travelling, if have the ability to stand and sit in the vehicle seats without assistance and with little pain, then you should seek that option. Sitting in the vehicle provides more safety than sitting in a wheelchair.

Any kind of contents in the vehicle should be secured for the safety of the wheelchair user. If something looks heavy and could be knocked loose by the moving vehicle, store it as low as possible to avoid any potential injuries. Make sure all accessories on the electric wheelchair such as the battery is properly secured. If the electric wheelchair has a joystick control placed in the center, see if it is possible to remove that as it could be a hazard during any collisions or emergencies.

Wearing Safety Belts

Make sure the belts are fitted for the user and not be restrictive or suffocating. Place belt on the inside of the wheelchair and wrap across the pelvis, taking extra care that the safety belt does not creep up to the stomach during vehicle movements. The best kind of safety belt is the 3 point belt with two attachments of the belt going to the floor and an additional attachment that secures on to the vehicle.

If you are looking for better wheelchair models that can handle the longer travels, visit Handicap Equipment for more information. Read up on common mobility scooter problems that users face and see if it is time to upgrade from manual wheelchairs to power mobility wheelchairs. Also get a better idea of the handicapped equipped vehicles models available to you.

Different Types Of Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are known best for the best services that they could offer to wheelchair users. No wonder these have great importance to them since they could be transported easily while they are traveling or moving in a particular place where they need to climb up or down. In any place that they could go such as in a building, houses, hotels, stores, hospitals, or in other places, they could have a better transportation with these wheelchair lifts. However there are different types of wheelchair lifts which are good for specific purposes. These are the following.

Inclined Wheelchair Lift

For those handicapped persons who find hard from climbing up and down the stairs, then this kind of wheelchair is the best for him or her. It could functional well just like an elevator. This has safety features too that would avoid or prevent any possible accident. It has emergency stop switches, safety pan, and over speed device. This has anti-slip platforms to avoid falling and slips. This can be use both in outdoors and indoors.

Portable Wheelchair Lift

This kind of lift can give access to users in going up or down from staircases and cars. And since it is portable, this can be easily carried and be kept in a vehicle. It is powered by battery that need a bit of maintenance. This can be used also in outdoors and indoors.

Vertical Wheelchair Lift

For those locations which are not having ramps or wheelchair entry points, this vertical wheelchair lift is an ideal lift for this place. This can be used by lifting the wheelchair with the user sitting on it. The wheelchair can be lowered vertically. This lift too can accommodate different wheelchair of any weight. And in terms of its safety, a user must not be worried since it has safety parameters like safety nut, broken belt monitor, final limit switches, and platform safety pans.

Hydraulic and Electric Lift

This could be a bit expensive but would really ensure durability thus this would last longer. You can find the best of it by finding the best dealer or manufacturer of this. They would know better the best quality which is available in the marketplace.

So, these are the different types of wheelchair lifts that would cater your need if you are finding your wheelchair now for you or to the one whom you know.

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