Types of Wheelchairs - For your Specific Needs

A wheelchair assists differently abled people, senior citizens, small children’s and people with leg injury or physiological illness to become more mobile and independent. There are different types of wheelchairs which are used depending on specific needs and user preferences of the individual. It is important to understand the limitations and safe operation of the wheelchair you choose. Read more to understand and learn about different wheelchairs available in the market.

Manual Wheelchair: This wheelchair needs to be propelled by the user only. It is best suitable for the person who has sufficient strength and proper movement in arms. A manual chair uses the arms and upper body to roll the wheel. Manual wheelchairs are affordable and easiest to operate. There are five types of manual wheelchairs available in the market. So let’s have a look on their brief description.

• Ergonomic: Ergonomic wheelchairs have light weight frames and seat designs that reduce the pressure points. These chairs provide comfortable option for mobility impaired users like Karma Healthcare S-ERGO 115 Ergonomic Wheelchair. These chairs are used by those individuals who are living with conditions that prevent them from walking and to accomplish their daily living activities. This chair is especially designed for the people who have chronic disease such as paraplegia, post polio syndrome, neuromuscular disease like arthritis in the lower extremities, MS, lower limb amputations and cerebral palsy.
• Tilt-In-Space: The chairs have power tilt feature which allows the whole chair to tilt upto 30 or 60 degree while maintain the patient’s hip and knee angles at 90 degree. In most of the chairs it is done with a button that allows a patient’s body to move independently. The Tilt-In-Space offers the required changes in positions to the patients who are not able to shift their body weight or change positions. The chair like Karma Healthcare VIP-515 Tilt-In-Space wheelchair is helpful for the individuals who are not able to maintain pelvic, trunk, head position. Also these chairs aids in preventing postural collapse to the individuals who are at a higher risk for respiratory or digestive complications.
• Reclining: These chairs usually have a high back and are designed in a way which allows the individual to recline at the incremental angles safely and comfortably. Reclining wheelchairs are more suitable for patients who suffer from orthostatic hypotension, severe hip extension contracture and pressure re- distribution for prevention of skin breakdown. And for further safety and security restraint system can be built into the frame.
• Ultra-Light & Sports: The Ultra Light wheelchair is considered as folding wheelchair which allows the user to fold and store it in small space, car garage or a vehicle trunk. This chair comes with wide range of features that’s suits users personal needs. Ultra light wheelchairs are especially designed for the individuals who like to live an active life or are interested in sports.
• Bariatric: Bariatric wheelchairs (Electric/Manual) are also known as Heavy duty wheelchairs which come with extra weight capacity for people who weigh over 114 Kg. These chairs like Karma Healthcare KM-BT10 Multi-functional Bariatric Wheelchair are heavy and wider as compared to the other wheelchairs. It is suitable for all size patients as these chairs comes with larger seating area, leg support, solid rubber tires and many other customizable options. The tires are designed in such a way that it does not have air in it which helps in increased support and reduces the chances of tire failure.

Electric Chair: Electric chairs are also known as Power Chairs and much more convenient and suitable for the people with limited mobility. The chairs like EB 103A Folding Power Wheelchair move with the help of electric motor and have a remote control which helps in controlling the direction and speed of the chair. These chairs can be customized as per the patients need. There are many varieties available in Electric wheelchairs which can be operated by hands, mouth or any other functioning body part. The Electric chairs also comes with the options of tilt and recline.

Pediatric Wheelchair: As the name says the chair is especially designed for the children’s with limited mobility and postural problems. The chair like Smart Care SC802 is relatively small, compact and fit to a child’s body compared to the adult wheelchair. Paediatric wheelchair helps children in living an active life. It comes in three types namely Tilt-In-Space, manual and Power.

Standing/Power Electric Wheelchair: Standing wheelchair enables the user to raise the chair from seated to standing position. The chair provides regular mobility to the user and help in living independent life. Wheelchair like HERO 4 –Semi Motorized has many physical health benefits. Some of them are:

• Improves urinary and bowel functions
• Reduces the spasticity & pressure sore
• Easy to transfer
• Increase circulation
• Reduces depression by giving ability to stand 

The above information will sure help you choose the best wheelchair and get a good deal for yourself or the person who will be using it. You can buy wheelchairs today at HealthVistas.com at attractive discount offers. Different wheelchairs come with different features and benefits, choose wisely and live freely!