Wheelchairs aren't cheap and buying the right one to meet your needs, your childs needs or someone you care for requires some thought. Given here are some considerations to take into account before purchasing a wheelchair.
Firstly decide if you buy a wheelchair privately that it meets your needs better than a wheelchair you may have been supplied with from your local Hospital Wheelchair Service (assuming you have been referred for one by your GP etc).
Having decided to buy privately consider these points:
Where is the Wheelchair to be used:
Is it for transport round the home, school, workplace, outdoors, indoors, on different floors and does the wheelchair need to be transported in a vehicle.
Can the wheelchair be self-propel or will it be pushed by an attendant:
Wether the user manually turns the wheels (self-propel) or is pushed by an attendant determines the size and type of wheels and the weight of the wheelchair.
Does the wheelchair need to be rigid or folding:
If the wheelchair needs transporting in a car or other vehicle it will need to fold up easily. Some whelchairs have detachable parts for this purpose. The person putting the wheelchair into a car boot for example should be able to manage it easily
Folding wheelchairs are usually heavier than rigid ones but can give a smoother ride over bumpy surfaces because they are less rigid and "give" more.
If the wheelchair user has poor posture the wheelchair must not exacerbate any medical condition the user has. If their are any doubts about this advice from a professional such as an Occupational Therapst should be sought.
What type of person will use the wheelchair:
People with good upper body strength who use the wheelchair for sport can purchase lightweight self-propel chairs with tight turning circles and maneouvrability.
Other people may require the stability of a wider based chair and if poor muscle tone is present belts to secure the person in the chair.
Stability of the wheelchair should be looked at carefully if the user has a condition causing muscle spasm or other involuntary movement as the chair may tip.
Where the chair will be used:
The main consideration here is the tyres.
Pneumatic tyres are best for all round use because they give the smoothest ride over bumps. Regular tyre pressure checking is required.
Solid tyres can be used if the main usage is indoors.
For moving over rough surfaces outdoors larger tyres with a greater surface area and pronounced tread aid a smoother ride.
Getting in and out:
Most chairs will have swing away legrests and fold up footplates. These aid independence for users capable of transferring themselves and attendants helping users who can't transfer themselves.
Some wheelchairs have removeable sides which enable transfer of the user to a car seat or toilet for example via a transfer board.
Wheelchair Cushions
Sitting in a wheelchair for long periods may leave the user prone to pressure sores and postural discomfort. A wheelchair cushion can greatly reduce this risk and many types are available.
Browse Wheelchairs and Accessories under "Wheelchairs" in Product List right of page.
Finally there are many wheelchairs available for purchase and a clear idea of which one suits your requirements is very helpful.
VAT EXEMPT PRICING
Many products are sold
without VAT to those
eligible to VAT relief.
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Most of the orders placed
are paid by credit card,
debit card, cheque or
bank transfer.
