How to choose a Wheelchair that is best suited to your needs

With much advancement in medical technology, equipment and products, getting around when you’re disabled or ill is so much easier than it used to be.

There are a range of different wheelchairs available, all with their own specific features based on your needs. Are you looking for an affordable wheelchair? Take a look at the various wheelchairs available on Supply Doctor (www.supplydoctor.co.za) as well as many other medical supplies, equipment, consumables, disposables, first aid products and so much more.

Here’s how to choose a wheelchair that is best suited to your needs…

Motorized Scooters

        -          This wheelchair is motorized so that means it does not need much physical strength to move it around, this means it is a lot better for the elderly.

        -          It is easier for the person on the scooter to negotiate curbs as well as road crossings.

        -          A motorized scooter is large so it is unable to fit in a regular vehicle, it is also best to keep a spare battery on hand at all times.

Power Wheelchairs

        -          Powered by a joystick, this wheelchair is perfect for anyone who has limited mobility.

        -          Easy navigation on road crossings and curbs.

        -          It is unable to fit in a regular car; however it is possible to fit a power wheelchair in a modified vehicle.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

        -          This chair is perfect for someone who needs easy access to shops with simple steering.

        -          A self-propelled wheelchair is able to fit inside your vehicle for total mobility.

        -          You can use this wheelchair without help from anyone else.

        -          Because it is self-propelled it can be hard work for your arms.

        -          Terrain can sometimes be a concern, so always take your environment into account.

Push-wheelchairs

        -          These wheelchairs are suited for people with limited movement or no movement at all.

        -          Majority of these fold and fit easily into a regular vehicle.

        -          It is not possible to use this wheelchair on your own; you will need someone to push you around at all times.

        -          Always remember that this type of wheelchair is not easily manoeuvrable.

When you choose a wheelchair you need to think clearly about your needs and what features are best suited to your needs. Choosing a wheelchair is never simple, so to make the right choice always go through all the features, disadvantages as well as the advantages.

How to choose a wheelchair

It is so much easier for the disabled or ill to get around independently than it used to be, and there are various types of wheelchairs to choose from. Here are a few of the features, to help choose which one is best.

Need a dynamic and professional online store that can provide you with a wheelchair of your choice? Supply Doctor can provide you with all your medical supplies, consumables, medical equipment, disposables and more.

1. Motorized Scooters

- This wheelchair does not need much physical strength, which means it is better for the elderly

- It is easy to negotiate curbs and road crossings

- Unfortunately they won’t fit in your car, and a spare battery should be carried around just in case it dies

2. Power Wheelchairs

- Perfect for people who have very limited mobility, as it is powered by a joystick

- Easy to negotiate curbs and road crossings

- It won’t be able to fit in most cars; however you can fit them on modified vehicles

3. Self-propelling Wheelchairs

- Buy this chair if you want easy access to shops and very easy steering

- Notice that you can fit one inside your care, which means total mobility

- You can use this wheelchair alone, without any help

- Realise that it is very hard work for your arms

- Terrain is a major concern, so take your environment into account

4. Push-wheelchairs

- These are for people with extremely limited movement or no movement at all

- Most of these fold down to fit into a normal car

- You cannot use these on your own, so you will need someone to push you around at all times

- Remember that these are not very maneuverable

Choosing a wheelchair is never simple; it is much more than looks. So take a look at the features, disadvantages and advantages and make the right choice.