In the modern world, a partial loss of a person's motor function by not limited motor functions isolates him from society and does not force him to put an end to his own life. A huge selection of wheelchairs once again confirms all this. The main thing is to choose a vehicle that will meet the individual needs of a particular person. The chair should be evaluated based on the expected period of its use. In our article, we will look at what the modern Russian market is ready to offer.
The difference between a wheelchair and a wheelchair
Distinguish between strollers and wheelchairs. The wheelchair is independently controlled by the one who sits in it, and the wheelchair is rolled by another person, for example, a nurse or a relative. Wheelchairs are intended for short-term transportation of patients who cannot move independently. Therefore, they are very light, simple in design, cheaper in price.
Toilet device
Of any amenities in wheelchairs, only toiletry is provideda device built into the wheelchair seat. It is not expected that such a patient will remain alone in a gurney for a long time. Exceptions are, as a rule, transport analogues, which are no longer a chair, but in fact a whole mobile bed. They are intended for ambulances, surgical and emergency departments of hospitals.
The wheelchair is a means of transportation designed for people who have permanently or temporarily lost their ability to walk independently, but can stay in a sitting position for a long time. Depending on certain features and lifestyle, individual patients may require far from one, but two or even three different chairs at once.
Views
Wheelchairs are very different, depending on the mode of their use and the method of control. The following devices are distinguished by purpose:
- Basic type. Designed for permanent use at home and on the street. They are designed for daily use for several months or even years.
- Active wheelchair type. Suitable for those patients who intend to lead an active lifestyle, taking long walks (as far as possible).
- Lightweight type. Made from aluminium. They weigh from seven to fifteen kilograms, they are often folding. Such chairs are used in cases where the wheelchair often needs to be transported and carried, and the assistant to the disabled person cannot, for one reason or another, liftgravity.
What other types of wheelchairs exist on the market today
Today (in addition to the already listed types of wheelchairs) there are the following model options:
- Sanitary wheelchairs. They are distinguished by the presence of a toilet device built into the seat. Designed for people with impaired functions of the excretory system in the body.
- Baby. These are very light strollers, which are small in size. As a rule, such devices are equipped with safety belts. Some models provide tables so that the child can eat, draw or play. Wheelchairs are very similar in appearance to standard strollers used for he althy children, but are designed for long-term use and have different special features (for example, a head brace for babies with cerebral palsy).
Let's consider what characterizes a wheelchair for the disabled.
Features
What should I pay attention to when comparing different models? Usually take into account the following characteristics:
- Producer. You need to focus on the reputation of a particular brand, as well as on the availability of service centers and certificates for products, the functionality of the model and components. From this point of view, domestic well-known manufacturers are in no way inferior to foreign ones. At the same time, they offer products forvery high price. But the financial liquidity of a wheelchair is also important: if necessary, a wheelchair of a well-known brand is always much easier to sell.
- It is important to pay attention to the material of the body. It can be made from steel, aluminium, carbon and titanium. The lightest are carbon models, and the most durable are steel models.
- An important role is played by geometric parameters, such as the depth of the chair, width, height of the seat, armrests, backrest. The best option is a wheelchair, in which all this is individually adjusted taking into account the parameters of each user, since different people with the same height may have different proportions.
- The weight of a wheelchair for the disabled largely depends on the material of the body and upholstery, geometric parameter, design, functionality and other similar characteristics. The lightest are carbon fiber chairs, weighing seven kilograms. Note that the average weight of wheelchairs is about twenty kilograms.
Additional Features
What other criteria should I pay attention to when buying a wheelchair for a disabled person? As a rule, you should be guided by the following characteristics:
- Step design. They come in the form of a solid shelf for both legs, separate small stands for each leg, fixed, removable or folding. Removable and folding are intended for those who can get up for a short time or in one of the footrestsneeds (e.g. due to amputation).
- Presence of anti-tilting system. The greater the requirements for the maneuverability of the wheelchair, the lighter it should be. True, a light wheelchair should be as strong and stable as possible (do not tip over when moving or when a person’s body changes).
- The presence of a folding frame in the wheelchair. It is hard under the seat. Then the stretcher cannot be folded, which will lead to difficulties in transporting it. The frame can also be folded, so it can be transported in the trunk of any car.
- Pay attention to the wheels, which can be pneumatic or metal cast. The latter, as a rule, are distinguished by high wear resistance, but low depreciation properties, so they are more used at home. They require virtually no maintenance. Pneumatic wheelchairs can be similar to bicycle wheels in that they provide a smooth ride, but require occasional inflation.
- Capacity criterion. There are ordinary wheelchairs (up to seventy-five - one hundred kilograms) and increased load capacity (up to one hundred and sixty or two hundred). This will determine how easy it will be to transport the patient in a wheelchair.
Despite the fact that there are quite a few parameters, it is quite possible to choose the ideal wheelchair for a particular person.
Wheelchair with sanitary facilities
Wheelchairs with sanitary equipment can be combined inseveral functions at once. They serve not only for movement, but also for the fulfillment of natural needs. It is worth saying that the category of users of such devices today is very extensive.
The sanitary device of the wheelchair facilitates the process of fulfilling the natural needs of patients with disabilities, as well as the elderly and sick people during the rehabilitation period. The wheelchair is equipped with a sanitary removable device with a cover, a soft seat that can be removed if desired, and swivel footrests, as well as armrests that can be removed if necessary.
Accompanying persons
Movement in a wheelchair is allowed only with the presence of accompanying persons. The weight of such a device, together with a chair, can be up to twenty kilograms higher, which depends on the model chosen, of which there are a great many on the market today. The carrying capacity is usually from one hundred to one hundred and eighty kilograms, which also depends on the brand of the product. When choosing a chair with sanitary equipment, in addition to the basic parameters, it is very important to pay attention to the width of the seat.
Conclusion
Currently, easily adjustable removable seats of wheelchairs for the disabled are usually made of artificial leather. The device is additionally equipped with a retractable removable vessel, which makes it possible to use this equipment for sanitary needs. And by installing a soft overhead seat, this device can be used as a regular wheelchairmobility chairs.
