What you need to know when choosing a wheelchair: Elixir✓

Wheelchairs are specially constructed manual or electric powered wheelchairs that are primarily intended for immobile patients who are unable to walk due to the nature of their illness. In patients with preserved hand movements, manual wheelchairs are most often prescribed, in order to exercise the motor skills of the upper extremities. When it comes to quadriplegia (impossibility to move all limbs), then a motorized wheelchair is used, which is controlled by breath or voice command.

Patients with hemiplegia move wheelchairs with their healthy arm and leg. The dimensions and shape of the seat, backrest and support for the legs and arms on the wheelchair must be individually adapted to each patient. Also, every patient who is unable to move requires special care, whether at home or outside, and Eliksir healthcare can provide this in the best possible way.

Why are wheelchairs important?

Wheelchairs can significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Buying or getting a wheelchair in cases where you have a medical condition that affects your walking or makes it completely impossible, means that you can continue to do the things you love, without spending time confined to a bed or confined to your own four walls.

People with disabilities can use several types of wheelchairs, and the basic types of these aids for the disabled are:

• hand-powered wheelchair (manual),
• electric wheelchair,
• baby carriage.

Manual wheelchairs are powered by their own power, while electric or electric wheelchairs are powered by a battery and powered by an electric motor.

Manual wheelchair - basic information

Manual wheelchairs can significantly help people with disabilities to continue to lead an active social life regardless of their disability or health problems they have. You are that person who has orthopedic problems and it is difficult for you to get used to disability aids, think carefully about how difficult or endangered your walking is, how much time you spend outdoors or indoors, and whether you travel long distances, so you will realize for yourself the importance of all medical aids.

It is important to note that in order to use a manual wheelchair, it is necessary to have enough strength in the hands and to be able to control the upper part of the body as much as possible. For this reason, manual wheelchairs are best if you can walk using a cane or crutches. However, some doctors will recommend the use of manual wheelchairs if they believe that their use will contribute to maintaining proper motor skills and functionality of the arms and upper body.

If none of the above is your case, then we recommend an electric wheelchair to start with. Even if you have an assistant, because freedom of movement is something that is essential for every person in a wheelchair.  If for some reason an electric wheelchair is out of the question, pay attention to the wide selection of models that have push-handles suitable for pushing by other people.

Also, manual wheelchairs have large rear wheels and enable easier crossing of obstacles such as thresholds, small stairs and the like. If you are able to operate a manual wheelchair independently, it will be much easier for you to move around, which will give you additional freedom.

When it comes to models, there are 3 basic types of manual wheelchairs:

• Ultra light wheelchairs - they are almost always recommended for the younger population who have the smallest movements in their hands (tetraplegia C5-C6) due to the use of accessories such as unicycles (handbikes) and others. Also, they are suitable because they remain consistent and firm for many years.
• Lightweight folding stroller - a good universal stroller that is light and can also be easily folded, and takes up little space during transport. They are not recommended for very active users (younger paraplegics).
• Ordinary stroller - this stroller is heavy, clumsy with a poorly positioned backrest. They are recommended for temporary use or for elderly people.

Electric wheelchair - basic information

Electric wheelchairs are the ideal choice if you do not have enough strength and stamina to use a manual wheelchair, and you do not want to rely on the help and pushing of another person. Electric wheelchairs are also great if you travel long distances or go on long trips with this wheelchair.

What also favors and gives an advantage for the choice of such a stroller is the condition, that is, the conditions under which you move. Ruined streets, or those paved with stone, unasphalted are very unsuitable for movement on them by manual wheelchairs. On the other hand, electric wheelchairs can overcome obstacles in the form of thresholds or stairs only in the range of 5 to 10 centimeters.

The most common type of "drive control" on electric wheelchairs is a joystick placed on one of the armrests. In theory, these are very simple devices, although they can sometimes be difficult to learn to operate. Some companies offer other types of controls, such as scooter-like steering controls.

There is a wide variety of models available, it is best to divide them into three categories:

• Indoor / portable strollers - used for use at home or in places with smooth surfaces such as shopping malls. They are usually easy to fold up and put in the trunk of a car.
• External strollers - have a larger wheel to overcome uneven terrain, as well as suspension to make the drive more comfortable. They can usually be used indoors, but their larger size limits maneuverability inside.
• Combined strollers – they are designed to offer the best of both models. They are not as light and portable as some models, but they are not too heavy and robust as others. In fact, this stroller provides a good balance of functions.

Folding stroller or rigid stroller?

There are numerous factors that can influence the choice of an adequate wheelchair. Some of them are the patient's planned activity, but also the terrain on which he would most often have to move.

Folding stroller

When we talk about folding strollers, they are actually classic strollers. They range from standard ones (retirement, for grandma) to contemporary, well-adaptable and adjustable, active strollers. They all have a similar folding mechanism - a folding mechanism of foot pedals that pull up and pull the seat cover up to make the stroller narrow.

The advantage of this type of stroller is more comfort, because they adapt well to uneven ground and absorb sudden movements. The disadvantage is that part of the power required for starting is "lost" due to the mobility of the frame.

All measurements - width and depth of the seat, as well as the height of the backrest can be adjusted individually when choosing a stroller. In the same way, the inclination of the seat and the "possibility of tipping over" can be adjusted, all depending on the severity of the disability or the user's knowledge of management. This stroller is best suited as a day stroller.

They are not recommended for sports activities, because they cannot be adjusted sufficiently due to their limited adjustability. In addition, due to the many moving parts that enable assembly, they are insufficiently stable for some more serious sports activities.

Rigid wheelchair

When it comes to rigid strollers, folding is different than folding strollers. In the case of rigid strollers, the wheels are removed from the side, and the backrest folds onto the seat. In this way, the stroller can be loaded into the car. In such a cart, nothing else is driven, which means that all the available power can be used for driving. This is a particular advantage for tetraplegics. The weak point of these strollers is that they react to every, even the smallest unevenness of the terrain.

All measurements, as with folding strollers, can be adjusted individually. An additional convenience of this stroller is that it is possible to change the angle of the backrest, which allows the individual adjustment of the seat position. Rigid strollers are used for every day, but also for sports. The wheelchair must be adapted to each individual type of sport, in order to avoid accidental injuries, but also to facilitate the performance of certain sports activities.

Think twice if you are not sure what type of orthotics you need and make an effort to choose the right ones. Sometimes you will also have to listen to the advice of the doctor who prescribes the same, considering that you should not under any circumstances put your health in further jeopardy at your own risk. Also, don't forget that Eliksir health care also offers physical therapy services at home, so you can hire professional staff who will help you improve your physical condition in the comfort of your home.