menu

800.225.2610

How to Purchase the Right Wheelchair

September 7, 2018
Guide to buy a wheelchair

Download a printable poster here.

Before purchasing a wheelchair, follow these three easy steps to ensure proper fit and your resident’s safety, comfort, and overall happiness.

1. Take measurements:

The most important decision when choosing a wheelchair is to make sure it's the right size by taking a few simple measurements before making a purchase.

  • Back height: primarily affects comfort. Proper height is from the collarbone down to the seat.1
  • Front seat height: affects driving efficiency and safety. The seat height should allow the user to reach the floor with their heels.2
  • Seat width: affects sitting comfortability. Seat width should be hip-width plus 1-2" on either side.3
  • Seat depth: affects weight distribution and prevents the edge of the seat from rubbing against the back of the knees.

2. Choose chair type

Select a wheelchair based on your resident's profile. For non-self-propelling residents, you may only require a lightweight wheelchair. Standard wheelchairs with larger rear wheels are ideal for residents who can propel themselves. You will also want to make sure that the wheelchair can safely support your resident's weight. For larger residents, you may need to consider a bariatric wheelchair.

3. Don't Forget the Cushions and Accessories

Cushions are essential for better pressure management and sitting tolerances. Similar to choosing a wheelchair, the individual profile will determine how to select the right cushion. For instance Premium gel cushions are ideal for maximum skin protection and shear whereas air cell cushions protect your most fragile residents. Learn more about how to choose a wheelchair cushion and optimal wheelchair positioning. Lastly, increase resident independence and quality of life with a variety of wheelchair accessories such as lap trays, cup holders, mobile device mounts, storage bins, arm trays, wheelchair gloves, rim and spoke covers, and anti-tippers.

References

  1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-determine-proper-fit-in-a-wheelchair-2318275
  2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-determine-proper-fit-in-a-wheelchair-2318275
  3. https://www.karmanhealthcare.com/how-to-measure-for-wheelchair-wheelchair-fitting/

You may also be interested in:

Disclaimer

AliMed, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of medical supply products, and is not a medical authority. The contents contained in this article, including text, graphics, imagery, and other materials, are for informational and educational purposes only. AliMed does not provide or intend to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information contained here should not be treated as such. If you have questions about a specific medical condition or specific personal use of a medical device, always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Although every effort has been made to present information that is accurate and true to the best of our knowledge, this content may contain omissions or errors. AliMed does not regularly update information or resources for this content and does not guarantee, make any warranties, and accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.