As a result of injury or illness, people are often confined to a wheelchair. Someone needs a wheelchair for the rehabilitation period, someone, unfortunately, will spend their whole life in it. It is very important to take the choice responsibly. An improperly selected vehicle will cause the patient severe discomfort. There may well be a delay and even the impossibility of recovery.
How to choose a wheelchair?
Until quite recently, the problem of choosing a wheelchair did not exist in our country. Due to the lack of choice as such. The disabled were isolated and served by the state. The quality of this service is another story.
Today, people with disabilities are becoming more socialized. Demand creates supply. There is a huge variety of such products on the market. Both domestic and foreign manufacturers are present.
Of course, your choice should be based on the advice of a competent physical therapist who is familiar with your medical history andindividual characteristics. The disease involves an individual degree of dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. One thing is certain - you need to choose the highest quality products that will provide maximum comfort. Trying to save on he alth is definitely not worth it.
Views
Manufacturers try to make life as easy as possible for the patient and his loved ones. Recently, modern lightweight designs equipped with an electric drive and additional options have increasingly appeared on sale. They allow the patient to move in any conditions with little or no assistance, they are easy to fold and fit in any car. In addition, they are quite light weight and very compact. Terrible pictures from films of the end of the last century are gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Terminology needs to be clarified. A wheelchair is designed for the movement of people who, although limited in movement, are able to independently manage it. Using modern product models, they are able to lead an almost complete lifestyle.
For people who cannot drive a wheelchair on their own, a wheelchair is provided. A patient in a gurney is moved by a special attendant.
The whole variety of wheelchairs can be divided into two types:
- designed for movement on a flat, hard surface, mainly indoors;
- designed for street travel.
From the shortcomings of modernwheelchairs for the home and the street can only be noted for their relatively high cost. Unfortunately, for many, this criterion is decisive. Below we will take a closer look at each of the types and try to choose the best option.
Outdoor wheelchair
It is even more critical for a sick person than for a he althy person to be outdoors as often as possible. An outdoor wheelchair must meet a number of minimum requirements:
- To have pneumatic tires, otherwise the patient with his own body will feel every bump and bump. Such tires have a significant drawback - from time to time they require pumping. The rest is just perfect.
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Give the patient a comfortable and secure fit while moving. A person with a disability, having fallen, will not be able to get up on his own. The stroller should allow easy maneuvering of the movements of the shoulders and body.
- Have a compact size and light weight. Often elevators in our homes, ramps near shops, etc. are not designed for the disabled.
- Easy to fold and fit in the trunk of any car.
- Have increased cross-country ability.
- It is highly desirable to have a powerful electric drive. A sick person cannot always rely on the strength of his own hands. Modern powered wheelchairs are very compact (pictured above).
Stroller for home
It is also not easy for a sick person to move indoors. A home wheelchair must also meet a number of criteria:
- It is advisable to use solid tires. They are more durable and ideal for moving on a flat floor. The photo above shows a modern wheelchair with solid tires.
- Having an electric drive is more of a whim than a real need.
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Maximum safety and comfort for the patient must be ensured.
Secrets of the right choice
Give some general advice:
1. When choosing a wheelchair, you must make and take into account the following measurements:
- seat depth;
- seat width;
- patient's leg length;
- seat back height;
- patient's forearm height;
- seat height.
The most important thing is the width of the seat. It should be equal to the maximum width of the patient's pelvis plus 5 centimeters. This will allow you to properly distribute the weight of the patient and experience a minimum of inconvenience.
You can do it easier. Place your palms between the patient's pelvis and the seat on both sides. The hand must pass freely. But there should be no extra space left.
To obtain the desired seat depth, measure the distance along the patient's thigh from the edge of the buttock to the inside of the knee. Subtract from the resulting value5-7.5 cm.
Incorrect seat depth can lead to knee problems.
The height of the seat depends on the length of the patient's legs. Feet should be five centimeters from the floor. Measure your foot from heel (including shoes) to hip height. Many use a special pillow. In this case, take measurements taking into account half of its height. Add 5 centimeters to the resulting value.
Measure from the elbow to the top of the seat. Add 2.5 centimeters to the resulting value. Armrests should be located at this level.
An experienced physiotherapist will help you choose the right back height. It directly depends on how limited a person is in movement. The lower the back, the more maneuverability the patient gets. At least the back of the chair should be 10 centimeters above the armpit.
2. Pay attention to the package. A footrest and armrests should be present at a minimum. An electric motor is desirable.
3. After choosing a particular model, search the Internet for reviews of those who are already actively using it.
For example, the photo below shows a folding wheelchair.
Below, consider the main manufacturers and reviews about them.
Manufacturer Reviews
The sheer variety of products on the market today is amazing. First, consider domestic manufacturers. Note that the rumors about the lack of competitiveness of domestic products are not unfounded. 90% of the market in Russia is divided among themselves 4company.
1. ANO Katarzyna
The company positions itself as a manufacturer of rehabilitation wheelchairs. We are talking about the so-called active wheelchairs. They are designed for people who are able to lead an active lifestyle. To a certain extent, these strollers allow you to play sports. Such products are designed to enable a person to serve themselves independently.
The wheelchair in the photo below does not prevent the child from playing ball and enjoying life.
Many employees of the company themselves are forced to use such a vehicle. The company's management claims that they make all products "as for themselves." In addition, the company actively conducts social programs, provides training and retraining for the disabled.
It is not known if this is true, but consumers do not praise the company's products.
2. OTTO BOCK Mobility LLC
Russian branch of a well-known German company. It has been operating since 1991. The main office is located in Moscow. It has branches in the regions. The company declares its mission to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. What is behind the loud slogan? Reviews about the company's products are quite contradictory. Consumers note thoughtfulness, convenience, a wide range of options and settings. At the same time, they often complain about the low quality of products, unsuitability for Russian weather conditions.
3. OOO NPP INCAR-M
The company has been producing products for the disabled since 1995. The main emphasis is on innovation. The company's products have repeatedly won prestigious international exhibitions. According to the manufacturer, the products can be used in any conditions, even at the North Pole. The material used is modern high-tech polymers. Consumers generally confirm this information. We couldn't find any negative reviews for this company's products.
4. LLC BTSARI "Overcoming"
Sets as its goal a comprehensive solution to the problems of people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, it is a charitable foundation. Exists since 1991. Actively conducts social activities. Also specializes in "active" wheelchairs.
The consumer reacts neutrally to this brand. Judging by the reviews, there are both advantages and disadvantages. They note both the convenience of individual models and the low quality in general.
Having examined Russian manufacturers, we can conclude that consumers are more likely to be forced to opt for the products of domestic manufacturers. Due to financial considerations. Often such strollers are provided by the state free of charge. Products for the most part have pronounced flaws.
This is not surprising, because quite recently our public and official authorities were of the opinion that disabled people should be isolated from society. Western experience shows that disabled people not only can, but must live in society. And feel comfortable.
Foreign suppliers
From foreign suppliers, German andAmerican companies. Most consumers note the high quality and customer focus of Western companies.
They are "facing" towards the disabled. Imported products are not always more expensive than domestic ones. But top models with a package of options that will help a disabled person lead an almost full-fledged lifestyle can cost from 300,000 rubles. The following companies stand out in particular:
- Emosign.
- Titan Deutschland GmbH.
- Invacare.
- Meyra.
The photo below is an imported electric wheelchair.
The import market offers quality products for every budget. Our companies, unfortunately, are hopelessly lagging behind. If in the budget segment our companies can somehow compete with Western ones, then in the premium segment there is no chance.
To be fair, we note that the situation is gradually changing the vector towards improvement. Domestic companies are gradually entering the global arena. Individual developments are quite worthy of attention. True, their price exceeds Western counterparts. It is impossible to predict when the turning point will occur.
