Wheelchair Accessories - Getting Loaded

Buying a wheelchair today is not very different from buying any other vehicle. There are basic "no frills" wheelchairs, which are perfectly capable of doing their jobs. Then there are the "loaded" wheelchairs, equipped with the buyer's choices of the many wheelchair accessories choices now available to add remarkable levels of comfort and convenience to wheelchair use.

One of the big wheelchair comfort items is, of course, the seat cushion. A properly fitted and constructed seat cushion is one of the essential wheelchair accessories; a poorly designed seat cushion will exacerbate poor posture and can lead to pressure sores.

A good wheelchair seat cushion encourages correct posture, which is a must for those suffering from difficulty in swallowing or neuromuscular impairment. Correct posture also assists both circulation and respiration, so a well-designed seat cushion is one of the wheelchair accessories with multiple positive benefits.

Ramps And Lifts

Although almost all public buildings are now wheelchair accessible, there are still many structures which have not been similarly modified and very few private residences can accommodate wheelchairs. There are wheelchair accessories, however, like portable wheelchair ramps, which allow wheelchair users to provide their own entry into previously restricted areas. Portable wheelchair ramps are ideal for getting wheelchairs into and out of vehicles and upstairs.

A wheelchair lift, on the other hand, operates much like an elevator and lets wheelchair users move from one floor of a building to another. These hydraulic wheelchair accessories allow users to be mobile even the event of electrical outages. There are less expensive electrically powered wheelchair lifts as well; while comfortable, they require a secondary source of power to keep them operational in a power failure. Other wheelchair accessories include stair and vehicular lifts.

Other Accessories

While wheelchair ramps and lifts are available in a wide variety, there are other kinds of wheelchair accessories to help you customize your wheelchair to your personal needs. They include such items as wheelchair restraints, used to secure your chair while you are traveling in a vehicle; wheelchair mounts to accommodate your laptop or other items; adjustable controls which can be either hand or voice-activated; and wheelchair locks or covers.

There are more wheelchair accessories intended to improve the user's comfort, including head and neck supports, back cushions, gloves, and protective elbow, leg, and arm padding. In short, there are as many wheelchair accessories bringing comfort, convenience, and safety to wheelchair users as there are upgrade packages for the world's finest automobiles!

You can also find more info on Wheelchair and Electric Wheelchair. Wheelchairsreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about Wheel Chairs.

Wheelchair Models

Wheelchair buying - what to consider:
It is always better to speak to your medical advisor first before purchasing a wheelchair. Add some good research to that and you can make an informed choice about wheelchairs.

General points to keep in mind are:
Weight
Design
Size
Capacity
Foldability
Location of power source in case of electric wheelchairs
Flexible back
Removable armrests, adjustable footrests
Seat width
Warranty
Cost

Wheelchair accessories:
Over time, wheelchair accessories have carved a niche for themselves in the market. You can upgrade your existing wheelchair, replace damaged parts, enhance both comfort, and function with modern wheelchair accessories. These are widely available online where you can also avail advice on fitting accessories to your wheelchairs.

Wheelchair availability:
You can buy a new wheelchair at affordable prices online or though nearest retailers. In case you are unable to move out of the house, most wheelchair websites list out wheelchair models along with pictures, prices, accessories and other details. All you need to do is pay online and have it delivered at your doorstep. Second hand wheelchairs are also an affordable option. For temporary disabilities, renting a suitable wheelchair is a better option.

Wheelchair safety:
Make sure you use safety belts and other safety accessories
Don't stretch the wheelchair's capabilities
Use wheelchairs appropriately. For example, Wheelchairs designed for indoor use may result in serious injury to both user and machine when used outdoors.

Insuring your wheelchair:
To avail insurance on your wheelchair, your physician is required to give a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) to be filed with the claim.

Wheelchair search:
Looking for good wheelchair options? Simply search for wheelchairs on any search engine on the Internet. Providers from all over the world will be waiting to serve you.

A disability need not be a devastating or confining. Live a free life - Get moving in your wheelchair!

For more information: http://www.mobilewheelchairs.com

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Minimizing Your Need For Wheelchair Repairs

Wheelchair users are always concerned with the possibility of their wheelchairs breaking down when they have no when they are outside with no one around to help them. Those who have manual wheelchairs worry about flat tires, and those with motorized chairs have to think about not only flat tires, but also failing batteries. All of them, however, could minimize their chances of such bad luck by taking advance precautions to let them recover, should one of these difficulties arise.

The thought of a disabled person being able to perform an instant wheelchair repair may seem a bit far-fetched to some. But there are safety measures which wheelchair users can implement to help them through a breakdown even when they are on their won; a cell phone, for example, will guarantee that even if you have no help when your breakdown occurs, you will have some very soon thereafter.

Simple Safety Measures

Having a cell phone with you will enable you to get in touch with your wheelchair repair service or to call a friend or family member. But there are other safety precautions you can take; spare batteries for your motorized chair can be carried in a backpack; and if you are partially mobile, having a pair of crutches or a cane on hand can help you enough that you can get real help. Having your doctor's and insurance company's phone number, in case your wheelchair is covered for the cost of repairs, is also a good idea.

Heading Off Trouble

Periodically run a "diagnostic" on your wheelchair to spot any incipient problems: have one done at your wheelchair repair center about every six months. It's one way of heading of trouble before it has you stranded on your own after a breakdown. It will also keep your wheelchair performing at its best because the failure of one part, if left untreated, can often have a domino effect and send your wheelchair into a tailspin.

Being disabled is not fun under the best of circumstances; it can leave you feeling both frustrated and helpless. But there are things you can do to take control of your situation, and by being smart and preparing ahead of time, you can manage any unexpected occurrences without losing your cool.

It's your decision whether or not you let your disability really disable you, or become proactive in your approach to life. When you know how to prepare yourself for unexpected emergencies, you'll have the peace of mind you want and can focus your energies on living your life to the fullest.

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What You Should Know About Your Wheelchair Battery Charger

One should realize that wheelchair battery charger must be fully operational in transferring electricity and its proper function. Find out how wheelchair chargers affect the efficiency of the battery is your primary concern.

An essential part of your powered wheelchair is the stored electric energy in your battery. It's the lifeline of your electric wheelchair as without it you cannot move into your desired position. It is very essential for everyday living especially for those who depend on their electric wheelchair as their primary source of transportation.

There are lost of newly designed batteries that can suit your need in electric wheelchairs. Wheelchair batteries are designed to be reused for a number of times. You must have a compatible charger on it for you can use it all over again. Three types of batteries are available in the market. First is wet, then gel and last is AGM. These different types of batteries must have specific chargers.

These chargers are classified into two types:

o Manual- requires constant supervision for it can permanently damage the battery in time if not plugged out after fully charged.

o Automatic- automatically monitors the charge in the battery and automatically shuts off if the battery is fully charged.

You must consider safety issues in using batteries before buying your preferred wheelchair battery:

o Sensors must probably be built into the charger and wheelchair to detect the connection between the wheelchair and the battery if it's correct.

o The wheelchair, charger, and the batteries may also be protected by using connectors that only allow proper connections.

o When you purchase a single purpose charger, the charger should match the charging configurations required by the battery.

o Purchased chargers must meet the power standard requirements of the local country's power supply.

o The wheelchair movements must become inoperable when the batteries are being charged.

o Lastly, a charger should not be left plugged in to the battery for over 24 hours as it can permanently damage the battery or can cause incidents like battery acid leaks or fire.

You must consult your local dealer to find out which charger will suit you best before purchasing your preferred wheelchair charger. Then if you already purchased what you need, read the manual first before using it. Follow all the directions for safety and can make your battery last longer. The manual also includes safety guidelines when charging the wheelchair battery.

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Wheelchair Ramps For Vans

Wheelchair ramps for vans are a cheaper way of getting access to your van compared to buying a wheelchair lift. These ramps will make getting into your van a lot easier. If you have an electric wheelchair, then ramps or lifts are an essential part of your life when getting in and out of vehicles. If needed, some of the ramps are portable and can be used in other areas and not just cars.

Depending on the ramp you purchase, they can have a 600 pound or more capacity. You can get a ramp that has other weight capacities though. They can come in different lengths and width, and for vehicles that are a little higher off ground than usual, you could get a longer ramp to make the incline less steep. There are ramps that are foldable, portable, and also ones that are permanent.

When you are looking for your wheelchair ramp for your van or car, you might want to think about if you will use it for one or multiple vehicles. If you will only use it for one vehicle, then you can get a bolt on ramp that would be semi permanent. If you might use the ramp for more than one van or car, then you probably want to get one that is portable so that you can interchange it between vehicles. That way, you do not have to pay more money for a 2nd wheelchair ramp.

Wheelchair ramps will have a grip material that is often times like sand paper. This is so that the wheels do not slip or slide anywhere when moving into the van.

The prices for these ramps can range, and it will vary on the brand, type of material it is made out of, whether it is portable or not, the size of it, and many other variables. If you do a little shopping around you can find the perfect wheelchair ramp for your van.

Get information about wheelchair ramps here: Wheelchair Ramps for Vans

Wheelchair Scales Weighing the Disabled

One of the major difficulties in hospitals and clinics is weighing the non-ambulatory. These patients, who range from the very ill to the elderly and overweight, require several people to move from a wheelchair to a scale, even a chair scale. In many cases, moving these unhealthy individuals is not advised, either for their own health and safety, or for the safety of the individuals who need to move them.

One of the best inventions of the 20th century, in terms of protecting patient and healthcare worker safety, is the wheelchair scale. Even the most common model, built for use with any standard wheelchair, offers such options as eye-level readability for nursing staff, a dual-sided readout beam, a detachable ramp for easy movement on and off the platform (and for use as a stand-alone scale), and an optional kit that converts the scale to work in tandem with existing Detecto scales.

The stationary model of a wheelchair scale features a padded handrail for ambulatory patients, a non-skid mat and a die-cast, dual-sided, eye-level weight beam in either 4-ounce or 100-gram increments. Battery operated, this model allows medical personnel to either key in the weight of the chair or use preset options.

Wheelchair scales for bariatric patients will read values up to 1,000 pounds, and the portable model - reading at 800 pounds - features integral wheels and handles for complete portability, as well as battery power and the option to enter the chair weight so that the readout displays only patient weight.

The ultimate wheelchair scale, offering weighing options for both geriatric and bariatric patients, has two non-skid rubber platforms, one for wheelchair weighing and the other for ambulatory patient weighing. It also has a remote weight display on a 15-foot cable suitable for either desk or wall mounting.

Stephen is a writer for Universal Medical Inc.
Universal Medical Inc is a premier provider of wheelchair scales and health care industry products. For the complete wheelchair scale line - please visit http://www.universalmedicalinc.com/clinical-equipment/medical-scales/wheelchair-scales

Build a Wheelchair Ramp Yourself

If your loved one has recently started to use a wheelchair, then you may like to know how to build a wheelchair ramp yourself. Your house may not be accessible at all from the outside and you may be struggling to deal with inside accessibility problems as well. Depending on your skill level and what you feel comfortable doing, you may be able to save some money on all of these adjustments and build your own ramp.

Getting Started

Wheelchair ramps can be a basic straight line from pavement to porch or more complex if they wrap or zigzag. How complicated you get will depend greatly on your skill level. But to design and build a wheelchair ramp yourself essentially depends on two factors when you're in planning stage: your loved one's needs and the building the ramp leads up to.

You know how strong or weak your loved one is right now and the ramp, especially the rise, needs to work with that, not against it. In order for him or her to use the ramp alone, it must be a gentle enough slope. Otherwise it will either be a fight to the finish or the wheelchair will simply roll backwards. If you're designing the ramp for one specific person, you can tailor all of this to that person's needs.

Your house is also an issue to factor in when designing the ramp. If the porch is raised high off the ground, this can lead to some designing issues and usually requires a ramp that zigzags. Using a straight ramp in that situation can lead to a very long gateway to the top of the porch to avoid a ramp that's too steep. Using a lower back entry might be a better option in some cases when you build a wheelchair ramp yourself.

Following Building Codes

Don't overlook the building codes required by your own area. However, when you build a wheelchair ramp yourself, even if it's for a home, you also need to follow the regulations outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act defines measurements and other specifications that result in the most safe and functional ramps. Building wheelchair ramps when you don't actually have to use one can be challenging and these standards ensure that ramps function well.

You can take these guidelines into consideration when choosing the right material to work with. Wood is an inexpensive and reliable option that's also relatively easy to work with. You can find plans to build a wheelchair ramp yourself on the ADA Web site and instructions for creating the framework and basic structure online. Keep in mind that the most important thing is that the ramp is safe and functional.

You may never have thought you'd be building a handicap ramp for any reason. But taking the time to build a wheelchair ramp yourself can help you to save money and also provide independence for your loved one and take some stress off of yourself as well. Plan ahead by considering your loved one's needs and the design of your house. Then read the guidelines from the ADA and bone up on local building codes as well. Use pre-made plans or design your own ramp, following the codes you're now aware of.

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