Choosing the right wheelchair is one of the most important decisions you can make. If you choose wisely, you can enjoy a good level of independence and mobility. However, if you choose the wrong kind of wheelchair you can end up struggling with everyday life unnecessarily.
Help with Choosing the Right Wheelchair
If you have never bought a wheelchair before it makes sense to seek advice from other people who use them. If at all possible speak to people who suffer with similar mobility issues to you. They will tell you what features they find helpful and which hinder them.
Therapists and charities set up to help people with the disabilities you are suffering from are another excellent source of advice. Their depth of experience helps them to understand the kind of wheelchair you are likely to need.
Sit down and make a quick note of the various places you will be using your wheelchair. Think about the kind of wheelchair that would work best in each environment and the kind of features it will need. For example, if you cannot drive yourself and will be relying on others to take you out the wheelchair you choose needs to be small enough to fold up and put into the boot of a car.
Thing to Consider When Choosing the Right Wheelchair
If you are going to be in your wheelchair, all day comfort and durability are big considerations. However, if you need a wheelchair for occasional use some of the lightweight models may suffice. Some people find the best solution is to buy more than one wheelchair. Whilst wheelchairs are not cheap, they are nowhere near as expensive as they used to be. By shopping around you can often find the bargains you need to make buying two wheelchairs a viable option.
Choosing the right wheelchair takes time. If you can, try out different kinds of wheelchairs by borrowing or leasing from charities and manufacturers. Some mobility shops will also lease you wheelchairs to try. Under no circumstances be pushed into buying a chair until you are 100% sure that it is right for you.
If you need help with choosing the right wheelchair visit the Simple Life Mobility website. There you will find helpful information and tips about buying a wheelchair.
