About Manual Wheelchairs
How do I fold my manual wheelchair?
One of the easiest ways to do this is to lift up under the centre of the wheelchair sling upholstery. To unfold the wheelchair, tilt slightly to one side, and then press down on one or both seat rails.
And remember. keep fingers and hands clear of any moving parts! If you don't, you'll only do it once. ouch!
How do I know what size wheelchair is right for me?
Just like items of clothing such as shoes, it is important that the wheelchair fits the person who is using it, well enough, to ensure they are comfortable and that it is not likely to press on any part of their body, with the potential of creating pressure areas.
To ensure the right fit, you need to be able to tell us the following:
- The measurement from your bottom to your shoulder (taken when you are sitting)
- The measurement from the back of your bottom to the back of your knee.
- The measurement from behind the knee to your heel.
- The widest measurement of your backside when seated.
- Telling us your weight also helps as different wheelchairs have different user weight limits.
If you can't get all these measurements, there are a couple of simple things that you can do once you are in a wheelchair to make sure that it fits you okay:
- Is there enough room to slide your hand down between the armrest and your thigh? If this is not possible, you need to try a larger size.
- Are you able to put two fingers side by side behind your knee before hitting the seat upholstery? If not, then you need to get a wheelchair with a longer seat depth.
And the good news is that if you are working with a therapist to help select the right wheelchair for you, they will take all of the measurements that they need during your assessment, so you don't need to worry about this!
Why do you need to have legrests that swingaway?
If the legrests swingaway, the wheelchair can get closer to an object that is being transferred onto, like a bed or a chair. They also make it easier for a hoist or piece of equipment used to help transfer a wheelchair user get closer to the wheelchair, making the transfer easier and safer.
Can the legrest length be adjusted?
The position of the footplate can easily be adjusted to fit the individual's leg length. To alter the length, simply loosen the bolt under the end of the legrest, adjusting the footplate in and out to achieve the desired position, then retightening the bolt securely.
The footplate should be adjusted to support the weight of the individual's foot and lower leg in such a position that permits the weight to be bared by the thighs. If the legrest is too long, the user will have a line of pressure under the thigh, at the front of the seat upholstery. If the legrest is too short, the knees will be too high and too much pressure will be on the buttocks.
Ideally the user's knees and hips should be at the same angle.
Why are antitippers important?
Antitippers are designed to stop the wheelchair from tipping backwards when the wheelchair is going up an incline. While some antitippers are removable, Allied Medical does not recommend the removal of these - they are a safety feature on the wheelchair and should be used at all times.
What is the ideal height for the backrest for you?
Ideally you want to have the back upholstery end just under your shoulder blade. Sometimes carers like to have the push canes higher to make it easier for them to push, but be careful in raising them up too high as this can often stop the users being able to self propel easily. An adjustable height backrest is a sensible idea especially if you haven't yet decided which wheelchair cushion you are going to use.
What are the benefits of height adjustable armrests?
Armrests offer support for the arms, and as we are all different sizes, and choose to sit on different height cushions, height adjustment is important. By being able to adjust the height of the armrests you may also be able to get under a table more easily, or if you are using a tray, the tray can be at a serviceable height for you. Proper armrest height is very important as it can prevent shoulder problems. Ideally an armrest that is correctly adjusted will support your forearms with your elbows at 90 degrees.
Do you ever have second hand wheelchairs?
Unfortunately not. As Allied Medical is an importer, we only stock new wheelchairs. However, from time to time we do have wheelchairs that are ex-demo and may have some minor paintwork damage. We are happy to sell these at a reduced amount but with the same warranties. This is a good way of getting a great wheelchair at a price that is a little easier on the pocket.
If you want a second hand wheelchair, try looking in Trade & Exchange or visit www.weka.net.nz - they have a great page that lists rehab equipment (and vehicles) that people want to sell.
Once I have my wheelchair, what maintenance does it need?
Click here to go to the Wheelchair Maintenance page.
Other words of advice when choosing a wheelchair.
Try as many as you can - in some of the larger centres in New Zealand there are Disability Resource Centres that hold several different models in stock so you can go and compare them there. It's a great neutral environment and their staff are trained to assist people find the right size wheelchair for them.
See if you can also try the wheelchair in the environment where you are going to use it. We are happy to offer in home trials where one of our product specialists will bring a chair to your home for you to "test drive".
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