Author Archive
Power Wheelchairs and Scooters get you there faster!
Posted by: | CommentsPower Wheelchairs are a great way to get around especially for those who do not have full use of their arms, or who do so much traveling throughout the day that a manual chair is not practical. Most power wheelchairs can be driven by the use of a simple joystick on the hand rest, although some can be adapted for use with a mouth stick or foot pad, which can be especially useful for quadriplegics and those with cerebral palsy.
One advantage of power wheelchairs that many users enjoy is that they always have the brakes on until the operator is ready to go. This can be especially helpful when moving or lifting yourself in and out of a chair. Many manual wheelchairs will slide around as you shift your weight but a power wheelchairs (or scooter) is both heavier and employs a very effective wheel locking system to prevent unwanted extraneous movement. For the same reason, it is important to have strong, sturdy armrests on your power chair so that they can support your weight as you lift yourself in and out of it.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Considerations For Your Van’s Scooter Lift
Posted by: | CommentsWhen thinking about purchasing a scooter lift, there is more to consider than just how it will get the scooter in and out of the van. If you are about to purchase a lift for your mobility scooter, why not read the following tips to ensure that you buy the lift that will be just right for you and your wheel chair?
Your first consideration when purchasing a lift for a scooter should be the access it will allow the other passengers in the van. Some scooter lifts block the doorway to the van, making it difficult for passengers to get in and out. If you have a need for passengers to ride in your van, be sure that the type of lift that you select will allow them easy entry. Consider a lift that attaches to the outside of your vehicle and allows the wheelchair or scooter to be carried on the exterior of the vehicle. The disadvantage of this type of set up is that the wheelchair, seats and all, could get wet or damaged from exposure to the elements. A cover for your wheelchair or scooter might be an appropriate accessory that will reduce this unnecessary risk.
The lift for scooters will have switches that the user will need to be able to control. The lift switches will vary with each model, and so it’s vital to insure that the person using the lift can not only reach them, but operate them as well.
All scooter lifts have edges around the borders of the platform. These lift edges keep the scooter from rolling off of the lift when it’s in motion. The height on the chair lift edges can vary from model to model, and can quite possibly be the difference in whether or not the disabled user can operate the lift by themselves, or if they require assistance. It’s important to test the lift for this before making a purchase.
Finally, you should check to make certain that if you select a lift that you will ride on in your scooter, the lift comes equipped with handrails or holding bars. This will make it easier for most people in a scooter to get themselves and their chair or scooter on and off of the scooter lift.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Important Considerations For Purchasing A Pediatric Wheelchairs
Posted by: | Comments
Pediatric wheelchairs come in all shapes and sizes. There are a few important things to remember when you’re choosing wheelchairs for children, that you might not think of if you’re only familiar with adult wheelchairs.
- Can the wheelchair grow with the child?
- Can the child get in and out of the chair on his own or will he require assistance from friends and teachers?
- When seated in the chair, is your child tall enough to reach tables and counter tops?
- How big are his friends? Will your child be able to socialize comfortably from his chair?
- Special needs of the child. Can your child use his arms with a manual chair or will he need more support?
Some children do very well with a walker or manual wheelchair that is small enough for them to get in and out of easily, should they want to play on the floor and that keeps them on eye level with their friends. Another advantage of manual wheelchairs is the exercise they provide. Wheelchair users who have full use of their upper body often benefit greatly from the cardiovascular and muscular exertion that their manual wheelchairs require.
However, if your child is not able to use his arms well, a child-size electric wheelchair might turn out to be the order of the day. There are many wheelchairs on the market that can be expanded to grow with your child as he increases in size. They can also be raised up or tilted back to help with the care and feeding of your youngster.
In the case of a child with special needs, consult with his physician and physical therapist to make sure the wheelchair you decide on can meet his needs comfortably but doesn’t come equipped with a lot of bells and whistles you don’t want to pay for and your child will never miss.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Three Things To Consider When Purchasing A Platform Lift
Posted by: | CommentsIf you are in the market for a platform lift, you should know that there is more to think about than just how the lift will get you in and out of the van. You’ll need to think about space necessities, mode of operation and your passengers as well. Below we’ve listed three main concerns that everyone who is considering buying a platform lift should think about.
The first point to consider for the wheelchair lift is the comfort level of your passengers. If you need the rear of the van to be free so that people can board and exit your vehicle, then you should look for a wheelchair lift that won’t take up a lot of space. Some lifts for wheelchairs mount to the floor of the van, and they would make it difficult for passengers to climb in and out, but others mount to the bottom of the van.
Your next consideration should be the switches that operate the lift, and whether or not you will be able to operate them. Look for one that is easily accessed by you, and can be controlled with ease. Some people have different abilities to use their hands, feet or other muscles. If possible, look for lift controls that you will be able to manipulate or modify and then use. In addition to the power switch, you should have a manual crank or some other mechanism in the power lift in case of a power shortage.
Finally, you’ll need to look closely at the platform’s edges. These edges will make is impossible for the wheel chair to slide off of the platform when it’s lifting. Some edges are higher than others and, depending on your wheelchair, could make it very difficult to get on and off of the wheelchair van lift. In addition, you should look for handrails to hold onto while you get in and off of the wheeled chair lift.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Renting Wheelchairs: A great convenience for travel or illness!
Posted by: | CommentsServices Renting Wheelchairs around the country are a boon to travelers as well as those suffering from temporary illness or disability. If you’re traveling, renting a wheelchair at your destination can greatly facilitate your packing!
Depending on the service, wheelchairs (electric and manual), scooters and other mobility vehicles may be available for rent by the day, week or month. Such services generally provide delivery to your destination, and pick-up when you’re done.
To make sure the type of wheelchair you want to rent is available on the dates of your choice, it makes sense to call ahead and make a reservation. Many such services function by maintaining an inventory of used wheelchairs at hub locations throughout the region, and may only have a limited supply of the type of wheelchair you’d most like to use.
Another great use for rental wheelchairs is to try out a model you’re considering buying. If you’re considering buying a scooter or electric wheelchair, try one out in your home and see if you like it.
Even if you don’t normally use a wheelchair, renting one can make sense if you’re planning to participate in an active expedition with family and want to make sure you don’t hold back the crowd.
If you’re considering renting a chair while you recuperate from illness or accident, be sure to check with your hospital as well as other local wheelchair rental services to find the best rates and types of wheelchair.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?