Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes

Wheelchairs, Walkers, and Canes More adults than ever before are dependent upon wheelchairs, walkers, and canes in today’s world. The consensus among doctors is that this is due primarily to the increase in the number of obese patients. Regardless of the reason, these devices are being used, and the fact is, many of the users end up getting hurt with the device, or trying to use the device.

Safety for Wheelchairs Manual wheelchairs are the most common type of wheelchair available.

Within the group of manual wheelchairs there are many types, and when a patient seeks advice, it is nice to have some idea of what they are asking.

For a person to use a wheelchair that is not designed for them, wrong size, wrong weight, height, etc., accidents can and do happen.

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A regular average wheelchair is designed for a regular average person, and in todays world, there are many people that simply do not fit this category. For a person under 5’9�, and less than 175 pounds, an average wheelchair will work. So, which average wheelchair is the right one? It depends very much on the individual needs of the person that will use it. Will they always be pushed, or will they be moving themselves? If they plan to move themselves, you want to ensure the roller bars on the wheels are of an adequate height so that the rider can grasp and roll them. Safety concerns in this case are, to ensure the right size chair is selected. When rolling the wheels themselves, patients should pay very close attention to where the hands are grasping. Also, reminding patients of some safety precautions when rolling themselves may save an injury. Avoid getting hands caught in the spoke area of the wheel. Injured wrists, hands, fingers, and arms.

As the hand grabs the wheel roll, it can be very easy to get a hand caught in the spoke. If this happens, depending on how fast you are rolling, the wheels could continue turning, and pull the hand/arm very hard. This happens fairly often and can cause broken wrists and hands. Encourage patients to roll slowly and be cautious about hands.

Wearing a loose-fitting jacket or long sleeves can get caught in wheels, it's best to push them up. Also, advice patients to wear gloves designed for that purpose, it will make it much easier on the hands.

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Ultra Light Wheelchairs can be great for taking in the car and using with ease, they are not heavy, generally under 25 pounds. These

chairs are generally designed for user under 200 lbs. Because these models are so light, they are also fairly easy to tip over. If a user hits a large speed bump or similar, it could tip over. Another concern is when the user attempts to sit down, the chair should always have the brakes on, this type of wheelchair will easily slide out from under a patient as they attempt to sit.

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Heavy Duty Wheelchairs are best for users over 250lbs. It is important to make sure the user and the maximum weight of the wheelchair are a match. For instance, a heavy-duty wheelchair can indicate it is for riders that are overweight; however that could mean 275 lb. rider. If a 400-lb.person attempts to use it, there is a possibility the chair could collapse since it is not designed for that weight capacity. Advise patients that should select the appropriate size and weight capacity for their body type. Many people order wheelchairs online today, and that is taking a risk that the fit will be accurate. A patient can visit a medical supply store and be fitted to a chair by a professional that is the safest way to ensure the fit is accurate.

Walkers Walkers can be a great alternative. Just advise the patient to make certain the height is adjustable at the arm level so that it can safely be handled at the proper level for their height.

Canes are generally used for a person that has mobility fairly well, but just needs a little balance as they walk. Canes should have a height in proportion to the user’s height, they should not have to lean over to use the cane for stability. It a patient is too defendant on a cane, it is probably best they resort to a walker.

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Mobility aids are very popular today, and they allow patients to get out and go, where they may not have been able to do previously. It is very important that they select the appropriate item and that the right size be used, this will ensure the best chance of safety and success with the device.

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