Power wheelchairs are an amazing tool and comfort for the elderly. Power wheelchairs allow someone who would not normally be mobile to keep living their life independently and with freedom of movement. No longer is your parent or grandparent dependent on you or someone else to help them around the house or down the street to the grocery store – they can do it on their own with the help of their power wheelchair. However, a power wheelchair is not without its limitations. It is necessary to understand when it is safe for someone to have a power wheelchair and when it is not the right solution for them.
Power wheelchairs are an amazing tool and comfort for the elderly. Power wheelchairs allow someone who would not normally be mobile to keep living their life independently and with freedom of movement. No longer is your parent or grandparent dependent on you or someone else to help them around the house or down the street to the grocery store – they can do it on their own with the help of their power wheelchair. However, a power wheelchair is not without its limitations. It is necessary to understand when it is safe for someone to have a power wheelchair and when it is not the right solution for them.
These are a few things a potential buyer of a power wheelchair should consider when deciding if it is the right fit for an elderly recipient. Can the elderly potential owner of the power wheelchair:
• Understand safety procedures and what to do in an emergency
• Use hand controls and pull the brake If needed lever
• Turn their head enough to check for traffic, pedestrians or other moving objects that might intersect their path
• Keep their balance in the chair while traversing rough terrain
• Judge distances between themselves and objects in order to accurately accelerate, brake and steer
• React quickly if an emergency arises
• Shift their body if necessary to go around corners and up and down inclines and declines
• Concentrate on maneuvering the power wheelchair and the environment around them
• Have sufficient vision to safely maneuver themselves in the power wheelchair
Properly evaluating yourself or a loved one before getting a power wheelchair is extremely important for your or their safety. The same features that make a power wheelchair such an amazing tool (maneuverability, ease of use, etc) make it dangerous to the operator or others if they are not ready or able to handle the responsibility.
Once you have decided that a power wheelchair is the right choice for you or another make sure you understand how it works. When your power wheelchair is delivered the delivery team will go over safe operations of the unit. The wheelchair will also come with an instruction guide that includes safety tips. If you ever have a question about your power wheelchair that cannot be answered with the instruction book you can call the manufacturers support line or read help and tips files on their online forums.
One of the most common power wheelchairs that elderly users choose is the Jazzy Select GT Power Chair by Pride Mobility . It is a lightweight model built for easy usage. A key feature is its low battery usage, which allows for much longer periods between battery recharges.
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To learn more about some of the products discussed in this article please contact a WheelchairForMe.com Mobility Specialist by filling out this prequalification form or calling 877-359-2922.
Author: Lauren Hill
About Author: Lauren Hill is the PR Director of WheelchairForMe.com - she has over 20 years experience in the consumer medical business
