The functions and types of wheelchairs you should know

The presence of a wheelchair is very helpful for some people who have difficulty moving to carry out their daily activities. For example, people with physical disabilities, elderly people who are already weak, people who have their legs amputated due to certain things or conditions (amputee), or who are recovering from certain injuries or illnesses.

What health conditions require a wheelchair?

Wheelchairs are generally used by people who have difficulty walking or moving their bodies to move to other places. Depending on the underlying condition, a person may need to use a wheelchair only temporarily or for the rest of his life.

For example, if a person has a fracture and is advised not to overload the leg. It is likely that he will need a wheelchair until his condition recovers. Meanwhile, people who experience complete paralysis from the waist to the legs due to an accident or certain disease may need this tool forever.

The following are health conditions that need this tool:

• Was totally paralyzed
• Have musculoskeletal problems
• Have had a broken bone or injury to the legs and feet
• Have neurological problems
• Experiencing balance or gait problems
• Not able to walk long distances

If you are considering or are advised to use a wheelchair, what should you choose?

Types of wheelchairs available in the market

Wheelchairs come in a variety of makes, models and sizes. There are also types that are manual and motorized. The manual type is generally driven by human labor, either driven by the user himself or by the assistance of the administrator. While the motor type is generally driven automatically with the help of a machine.

Your doctor will help recommend or choose the right wheelchair for you. However, it never hurts to find out first what types are there and their differences.

1. Types of temporary transportation

This type of wheelchair is made for people who want to move for a limited period of time. This type of wheeled chair has rear wheels that are small in size and cannot be reached or moved by the user himself. So to operate it must be assisted by other people.

This type of wheelchair is common in offices, big malls, or in hospitals. This type of transportation wheelchair can generally accommodate a weight of up to 135 kilograms.

2. Standard manual type

This type of wheelchair has a large rear wheel. other than that wheels or the rim is designed so that the user can grip and push the wheel at his own pace.

This tool is commonly used by people whose legs are still functioning quite well and can be controlled. For example, by people who have partially and temporarily broken their legs.

In addition, these types of chairs are usually easy to fold up and compact for traveling or simply storing.

3. Type Heavy-Duty and Bariatric Manual

This type of wheelchair is a manual type specifically intended for obese people. This tool is bigger than the common type because it must be able to accommodate loads of up to 300 kilograms.

4. Portable type

This mobility aid in the form of a wheeled chair tends to be light (around 11-15 kilograms) so it's easy to carry around. This type of seat is suitable for those who travel a lot and can be placed in a vehicle.

This type of wheelchair has the characteristics of a large rear wheel. The goal is that the user can reach, hold, and push on his own or be well pushed. This type of tool is usually covered with nylon cloth, and sometimes the seat is not too soft.

5. Type sporty

There are types of wheeled chairs that are specially made to facilitate maneuvers and body movements during exercise. This type is also commonly used by athletes with disabilities with paralympics in sports such as basketball, volleyball, fencing, and boccia ("soccer" specifically for athletes with cerebral palsy).

In addition to sports, this tool is also used to enjoy outside activities such as on sidewalks or uneven asphalt.

6. For children

Child wheelchairs for children generally have a small frame, seats that are not too wide, and not too tall. The shape is adapted to the development of the children's age.

7. Type Tilt and Recliner

This type of wheelchair generally has a higher headrest. This aims to make the user or patient comfortable when using this tool for a long time.

8. Types of hemi

This hemi type tool has a footrest that can be made up or down depending on the needs of the user. In addition, this type of auxiliary chair is shorter than the usual wheelchair.

Chairs, backrests, and footrests, high and low levels can be adjusted together to get the desired sitting position.

How do I choose the right wheelchair?

There are many different designs and functions of wheelchairs. To choose this type of tool, you must determine the type or model according to personal conditions. The wheelchair you use must cover all the necessary necessities.

If you are confused, ask your doctor and medical professional who will help decide which tool is best for you. Do not get the wrong choice because this tool is generally not cheap prices.

Here are some considerations:

• Physical problems or conditions
• User age
• User weight and height
• The strength or material of the chair
• How much motion or mobility is the wheelchair
• User lifestyle
• User's home environment
• Budget or expense
• Personal taste

After deciding on a few of the things above, you can continue to choose the wheelchair features that will be tailored to your needs and your body. the following things must be considered:

• The height or the low of the seat
• The comfort of the leg rests (generally determined depending on your height)
• Backrest (generally determined depending on your height)
• Position or armrests

In general, wheelchairs can last a long time of 1-5 years.

Another thing that must be considered

After you get the type or model of wheelchair you like, chances are you need a little practice on how to get on it, sit on it, and how to move the chair so you can walk.

Initial use may not be as easy as you think. Therefore, you need assistance from medical professionals or therapists who will help you learn and master the various road fields.

If necessary, a medical professional can help you learn how to navigate the various terrains. Therapy may train you to use these aids to move around various types of surfaces such as:

• On a sidewalk or higher ground
• Going through the door or gate
• Come forward
• Backward
• Turn right and left

If your wheelchair is the type or the control type uses an electric machine, you may need help learning how it works. In addition, you may also need to practice if you are in a fall and need to get back up or when control jams can hinder your activity.

Be sure to ask your doctor or medical technician for further instructions on how to exercise and how to use a wheelchair.