Four Things To Consider When Purchasing A Wheelchair For Someone

9 August 2016
 Categories: , Blog


If a loved one has recently been involved in an accident that caused them to lose the ability to walk, a wheelchair can be a great way to ensure that they still have some mobility and independence. There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a wheelchair though. The guide below walks you through a few things that you and your loved one need to take into consideration before purchasing a wheelchair for them to use.

Consider What Your Loved One Likes to Do 

If your loved one was into sports and led an active life before they were involved in the accident, there is a good chance that they may want to eventually want to play in sports later on down the road in their wheelchair. There are some wheelchairs that are designed for use in sports competitions such as basketball or racing. Choosing a wheelchair that will be able to accommodate an active lifestyle is important.

Consider a Power Wheelchair

If your loved one is a bit older, they may not be able to maneuver a manual wheelchair as easily as someone who has more muscular strength. Power wheelchairs have batteries that can be recharged again and again to ensure that your loved can always use their wheelchair when they need it.

Consider the Size of the Wheelchair

You also need to take the size of the wheelchair into consideration. If your loved one is a child or still growing, there are adjustable wheelchairs that can be adapted as needed as a child grows so that you do not need to buy multiple wheelchairs throughout their younger years. If your loved one is larger in size, there are expanded wheelchairs that have a wider seat than traditional wheelchairs to ensure that your loved one can ride comfortably at all times.

Consider the Cost

Finally, you need to consider the cost of the wheelchair. You can sometimes find wheelchairs that are in used condition for a good price at a medical supply store. The store will also be able to order a custom wheelchair if needed and allow you to compare a few different wheelchairs to ensure you purchase the best chair for your loved one at a reasonable price.  

Finding the right wheelchair for someone allows them to have independence so they can continue their life as fully as possible for years to come. Be sure to have them come with you to pick out the chair to ensure that it feels comfortable to them and is the style that they want.


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