Having limited mobility does not have to mean you suffering from that limited mobility. Society today is significantly more sensitive to the needs of the disabled, and ensuring that everyone has access to communal facilities – whether that is public transport, the use of outside spaces, or enjoying a meal in a restaurant, is open and accessible to all.
And to make sure that everyone can get to these places despite the severity of their physical disability, the evolution of the humble power chair means that no matter what your needs, your preferences, your budget, there is a product that will give you that freedom to explore at will.
Consequently, choosing the perfect power chair involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
Be specific about what your needs are
Forst and foremost, you need to determine the extent of your mobility limitations. Do you need the chair for full-time use, or will it supplement occasional mobility? Do you have sufficient space in your home to manoeuvre a chair, or store it?
Consider next where you’ll primarily use the chair. Will you be using it for indoors or outdoors use, or possibly both – both in work or when pursuing more leisurely occupations. Think about the different terrains and space constraints that you operate within and what your power chair will need to be able to cope with.
Finally, consider what physical conditions you need to accommodate with your choice of chair. How much posture support do you need, do you need to be conscious of pressure sore prevention?
What does your care giver suggest?
Your regular healthcare provider will have considerable experience and knowledge in selecting the best chair for a particular use, so make sure you tap into their expertise. There are so many different models n the market that it can get overwhelming, so triaging with a professional will save you significant time, and potentially save you precious resources too.
Consider the Types of Power Chairs
Depending on your needs and budget you may want to choose more than one chair – for example, one for indoor use, and another for more uneven terrains outdoors. As such, there are a number of options to suit each application. These can be split into the following sections:
– Travel/Portable Power Chairs: Lightweight and foldable, ideal for those who travel frequently.
– Full-Sized Power Chairs: Offer more features and comfort, suitable for daily extensive use.
– Heavy-Duty Power Chairs: Designed for users requiring higher weight capacity and enhanced durability.
Will it give you the performance you require?
Ultimately your power chair is there to make your life easier. If they do not perform as stated, then they could end up becoming more of an obstruction to life, than a tool of freedom. As such, you need to take into account the different performance features and match them to your individual needs. These include:
– Battery Life
– Speed and Range
– Manoeuvrability
– Comfort
– Control Options
Budget is another key consideration, as there are models that fulfil every price range, from entry level through to premium products. While standard chairs can be hired from reputable suppliers, you may require a chair with special adjustments in which case hiring may not be an option. Most suppliers are well set up to help you pay for your chair through financing schemes or hire purchase.
Wherever and whenever possible, make sure you take your favourite options out on a test drive. You’re looking for ease of operation, comfort, speed, reliability, and whether you feel it willnot only fit into your life, but enhance it too.
