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Invacare Wheelchair Parts – What You Should Know Before You Repair
Posted by: | CommentsAs with any type of mechanical device, your Invacare wheelchair, with its moving parts (and in some cases, motor and battery), has to have all parts working smoothly in order for it to function correctly. Proper wheelchair maintenance is an important part of keeping a wheelchair in peak condition, and is something that should be performed on a regular basis. Still, there will be times when, despite proper maintenance, replacement of some of your Invacare wheelchair parts will be necessary.
The good news is that many Invacare wheelchair parts can be easily purchased, and you can make the repairs on your own. In this article, we will explore what wheelchair parts are readily available, and what you should know before you try to repair any part of your wheelchair.
To begin, keep in mind that Invacare directions should always be followed when using, maintaining, or replacing parts on your wheelchair. In addition, always be certain that you are using the correct parts: check part numbers and make sure that what you are purchasing will fit your Invacare wheelchair. Some things are interchangeable from one manufacturer to another and others are not. Some parts are actually universal. Before ordering, take measurements, check the Invacare specifications, and contact your parts vendor directly if you have questions. As most Invacare wheelchair parts are readily available online, purchasing through a reputable, secure site is important: if the company does not have a way for you to contact them directly with questions, order elsewhere.
Now, let’s explore the kinds of wheelchair parts that can be easily replaced, so that an expensive repair job can be avoided if possible.
* Does your wheelchair have casters? They are the small wheels at the front of the wheelchair, and help to provide direction to the chair while moving. Check your wheelchair to be sure you order the right size, as casters are typically available in a range of sizes from 3″ to 8″.
* Rear wheel assemblies and tires are available in a variety of options that can affect the performance of your wheelchair.
* Powered wheelchair users will need to replace the wheelchair battery periodically, and potentially the battery charger as well.
* Take a look at the front riggings (these include the footrests and elevating leg rests). These are important to the comfort of the wheelchair user: replace them when necessary.
* Essential for the safety of the wheelchair user are anti-tip devices.
* Arm rests, cushions, brakes, and cross-braces all can wear out or need replacement at times, and are relatively easy to take care of on your own.
Take good care of your Invacare wheelchair and you will be rewarded with many years of faithful service. Timely maintenance of your chair, combined with the replacement of worn or broken Invacare wheelchair parts will insure that your wheelchair operates at it’s best, and will provide you with all of the safety and mobility that you require.
Looking to repair an Invacare wheelchair? Before you do, study Nan Bobby’s guide to replacing Invacare wheelchair parts. As the caregiver & advocate for her elderly parents for nearly a decade, she experienced the many challenges of adult children caring for aging parents, & now provides a resource center on eldercare and disability issues at Aging Parent Conversations.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Wheelchair Parts – Simple Do-It-Yourself Wheelchair Repair
Posted by: | CommentsA well-functioning wheelchair is a necessity in the life, mobility, and safety of the user. Insuring that your wheelchair continues to function at peak performance requires regular maintenance, periodic adjustments, and occasional repairs. It is also important to have a familiarity with the various wheelchair parts on your chair, and their function. This article will explore some simple “do-it-yourself” repairs that you can make, and some tips and suggestions for how to do them.
To start, it is important to know your chair. Whether you have a manual or power chair, when you first buy your chair, take the time to become familiar with all aspects of your chair. Know how everything functions, and what each of the wheelchair parts do. Learning all about your new wheelchair will help you notice when changes occur, so that you can easily spot them.
Always have a wheelchair repair kit available, whether at home or away. As the Boy Scouts would say, “be prepared”. This simple kit can be made with items like a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a tire-changing kit. In this way, whether you have wheel problems, need to tighten a bolt or screw, or possibly change a tire, you will have the tools that you need.
So what are some simple wheelchair repairs you can make on your own?
* Are there adjustable straps on the back of the wheelchair? They may have become loose, and will need to be adjusted.
* One problem occurs when the seat upholstery sags over time, which can affect the posture of the wheelchair user. This can be adjusted on many types of wheelchairs by removing one side from the frame, pulling the material tight, and then replacing the seat.
* A common wheelchair problem involves the caster axles. Materials like hair and thread frequently get caught, which can impede normal movement of the chair. To repair, remove the caster using two wrenches: one holds the axle bolt in place and the other is used to unscrew the nut. (Be sure to keep track of the 2 small spacers located on either side of the wheel!) Then, simply use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean the caster, and then replace.
* Needless to say, regularly clean the wheelchair to remove dust and dirt particles. A microfiber cloth will do this job best.
* Lastly, while many repairs are simple and straightforward, do not attempt to replace an electric wheelchair part on your own.
Regular maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your wheelchair performing at it’s best, and reduce the need for costly repairs. Simple repairs can be done on your own however if you don’t feel you can handle preventative maintenance or repairing wheelchair parts on your own, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to assist you.
N. Bobby was caregiver & advocate for her aging mom and dad for nearly ten years, and has experienced many of the challenges of adult children who care for their aging mom and dad. She provides resources related to caring for the aging and disabled at Aging Parent Conversations. Before you replace any wheelchair parts, learn more about simple wheelchair parts repair.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?