When it comes to selecting wheelchairs for seniors, it’s important to consider various factors such as the senior’s body size, mobility, medical conditions, and personal preferences. The right wheelchair can help seniors maintain their independence, prevent injuries, and improve their overall quality of life.

In addition, Seniors who spend most of their time in a wheelchair are at risk of developing pressure sores, which can be painful and lead to serious health complications. Therefore, the wheelchair’s seat cushion and backrest should be customized to the senior’s body shape/weight and size to reduce the risk of pressure sores.

How to choose a Wheelchair

• Determine the right type of wheelchair
• Size your wheelchair properly
• Select the appropriate features 

To a healthy person, sitting in an awkward position is uncomfortable, but for seniors it can be a danger to their health. The first step to finding the correct wheelchair is to select the type of wheelchair your resident is best suited for – a decision largely dependent on the individual resident and how the wheelchair will be used.

What Are the Different Types of Wheelchairs?

Travel Wheelchairs
Travel wheelchair feature a light and portable frame with smaller rear wheels for portability. They are designed for short-term transportation and must be propelled by a caregiver or other individual.

Lightweight Wheelchairs
Light weight wheelchair are easy to fold and transport, and often feature removable and adjustable components to assist in accessibility.

Standard Wheelchairs
Standard wheelchair are the most common type of wheelchair, providing durable construction and high weight capacities. They are more durable than lightweight wheelchairs and generally less expensive, but not as adjustable.

Reclining Wheelchairs or Tilt Wheelchairs
Reclining wheelchair with tilt provision provide pressure redistribution for resident-specific support or relief for a range of conditions. These chairs are often part of an individualized care plan based on clinical assessments.

How to Choose a Wheelchair Size

The most important measurements you need to take are seat width, back height, seat depth and seat-to-floor height. By providing a wheelchair with the proper dimensions in these four areas, you will avoid some of the most common and dangerous positioning concerns. Measuring all fields will help ensure optimal comfort and safety.

How to Calculate a Resident’s Seat Width

1. Measure the resident’s hip width across the widest point of hips or thighs
2. Add 1″
3. Add thickness of side cushions (if a cushion is used)

How to Calculate a Resident’s Back Height

1. Measure the resident’s buttocks to underside of extended arm
2. Add half the thickness of seat cushion (if used)
3. Subtract 4″ for residents with good trunk muscles
4. Subtract 3″ for residents with poor trunk muscles

How to Calculate a Resident’s Seat Depth

1. Measure resident’s rear of buttocks to back of knee
2. Subtract 2½”
3. Add thickness of back cushion (if a cushion is used)

Hope the article gives you some clarity of choosing the right wheelchair..

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Also Read our article: Price of wheelchair chennai

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