Pediatric Wheelchair - Everything You Need to Know

A pediatric wheelchair provide independence, convenience and safety for children who require a wheelchair to get to places. Pediatric wheelchairs, especially those that are motorized, are available in a wide range of materials, features and styles. You can choose from pediatric manual wheelchairs, pediatric power wheelchairs, used pediatric wheelchairs and even sport pediatric wheelchairs.

The basic way to establish whether you're getting the right pediatric wheelchair or not is to first assess what your child or patient specifically needs. You should evaluate what features and accessories are most helpful based on the individual's case. Your next step is to make sure you purchase the wheelchair from a widely trusted manufacturer or distributor. Finally, make sure you are looking at solid return policies, expansive warranties and flexible financing options.

Now let's get more into assessing the quality of the wheelchair you're considering. The materials and features available today include lightweight design, titanium materials and attachable containers such as bags and baskets. Lightweight designs are great for easier portability and maneuverability. Titanium is an ideal material because it makes the whole construction of the wheelchair stronger and more resilient. You may want to have bags or baskets incorporated with the wheelchair so lunch bags and other items such as groceries can be easily organized and transported.

Before you buy a pediatric wheelchair, look online for reviews and customer feedback. You may also ask for recommendations from suppliers of pediatric wheelchairs as well as medical staff, family and friends. Of course, a really good source to know more about which type of wheelchair to choose is your child's doctor.

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Wheelchair for Temporary Use - Options Available

Many a times, certain situation arises that may need use of wheelchair temporarily. If one is nursing from any accident injury causing physical confinement, if the resting period extends to longer durations, then the appointment of care taker for so long might not be a financially feasible option. Instead one can make use of the assisting devices like wheelchairs to have partial mobility. This might even eliminate the need for a care taker to be present all the time.

There are many options available when getting a wheelchair. If finances permit, one can buy a new wheelchair and sell it again after it serves the purpose. Buying and selling must be done only after little research. Hence, when considering buying a new wheelchair, one must search for local dealers and compare prices and quality of each dealer. The quality of the wheelchair should not be compromised with, otherwise it will not fetch you good returns when reselling it to seconds show room or dealer handling used wheelchairs. Always check for proper insurance cover plans. If possible get to know about any available extended insurance cover plan from the dealer. The one who do not feel convenient to use a second wheelchair might opt for this kind of option for it ensures the user quality and guarantee.

The other option is buying from the dealer who deals with used wheelchairs. This can work out feasibly well, if the user needs the wheelchair for very long durations that it might be easy to buy it rather than rent for so long. If the person is ready to adjust with little inconvenience caused due to used wheelchair, then it might be the best option for long term usage purposes. One must ensure that wheelchair is insured properly. Generally, used products do not have cover. So, getting in touch with an insurance agent in this regard helps one save insurance related hassles in the future.

If the use of wheelchair is for very short duration, then renting proposal works out very well. One is saved of getting rid of the wheelchair, after it has served its purpose. There are many agencies who offer this service. Comparing the price and checking for quality are the basic things to do, for clinching a good deal. One may have to book well in advance for delivery. Choosing the right option must be done after working out the required time of usage and need.

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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