How do customized wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories affect life quality?
Wheelchairs are used by people with temporary injuries, as well as those with disabilities. In case of patients who are recovering from surgery or are momentarily immobilized, a standard wheelchair should be sufficient. People with permanent disabilities, on the other hand, may require more advanced solutions.
How to customize wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories to the individual needs of their users?
Both wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories are customizable and can be adjusted to the individual needs of their users. In order to personalize them, it is necessary to establish the user’s condition, goals, needs, and preferences. The adjustments will differ depending on whether the user experiences limited upper torso and hand function, limited head or neck mobility, or different symptoms of various other conditions. They will also vary based on where and how the wheelchair is supposed to be used – navigation in small hallways and doorways calls for different equipment than for example climbing hills. Wheelchair accessories come in various sizes, shapes, and styles to fit different wheelchair models, before making a purchase it is therefore necessary to consider their compatibility.
The role of therapists in a wheelchair customization process
In case of customized wheelchairs, the prescription from a medical professional is required. Therapists and mobility specialists should be also consulted before the purchase of the wheelchair accessories for a standard model, as they possess the knowledge that can help select the appropriate equipment and, as a result, enhance the wheelchair experience.
How do different wheelchair accessories affect safety and mobility of wheelchair users?
Wheelchair accessories can meet the specific needs of the user and improve their overall experience. They are designed to enhance the comfort, convenience, and functionality of a wheelchair. Moreover, they can increase independence and greatly affect both safety and mobility of the user.
Safety belts
Safety belts are helpful for positioning people in their wheelchairs in order to reduce the risk of injury in case of a fall. It is important to remember, however, that an improper use of seat belts may cause harm to the wheelchair user.
Tires
Wheelchair tires should ensure low rolling resistance, as well as sufficient adhesion to the surface in difficult conditions. They must prevent uncontrolled slipping in such situations as driving off a curb, since it may result in a serious fall and cause injuries. For maximum safety it is best to refrain from using narrow tires with smooth tread outdoors, especially during winter.
Foot boards
Foot boards provide stable support for the feet and strengthen the frame structure of a wheelchair by stiffening its lower part. They also protect the legs in the event of a collision, which ensures the safety of the wheelchair user.
Seat and backrest
The seat and backrest are designed to provide support and a proper body position of a wheelchair user. They cannot be too restrictive, need to offer the range of backward arm movements, and give the user the ability to balance the torso while riding. A proper adjustment of the seat and backrest of the wheelchair is crucial for preventing pain and injuries, mainly:
- back pain,
- pressure sores,
- shoulder, wrist, and other upper extremity injuries,
- nerve and tissue damage,
- aggravation of symptoms related to disability.
Breaks
Good breaks are essential for ensuring the safety of the wheelchair user, as they prevent the wheelchair from moving unintentionally, for example when riding a bus or a train. It is important that both brakes are properly adjusted.
Proper customization of a wheelchair and the use of high quality wheelchair accessories help people with permanent disabilities maintain independence and are vital to preventing pain and further body damage.
