These five wheelchair accessories have been designed to safely improve your mobility while increasing your autonomy. Based on the type of wheelchair you own and your lifestyle, find out which of these accessories might be right for your comfort, ease of use, safety, and convenience.
Before You Purchase Your Wheelchair Accessories
Since accessories are made for specific purposes and wheelchair models, it is important for you to start your search for accessories by speaking with our knowledgeable team at Best Medical or do some research about which ones can work for your particular chair. Also, the intended use is an important factor as well. For instance, if you are athletic, it is important that the accessories do not interrupt your ability to maneuver during your practice or game time. Also, you need to determine where your accessory will be placed and used for convenience and coordination purposes.
The good news is most wheelchair accessories are lightweight, a breeze to install, and easily portable so you take them wherever you roam. You will have a wide assortment for your selection, depending on your activities, medical needs, comfort level, and interests.
Here are five accessories you should definitely add to your "must-haves" list to take your mobility to the next level of comfort, safety, and independence.
Wheelchair ramps: Even though all public buildings are presently wheelchair accessible, many private buildings have not been modified and even fewer private homes are wheelchair accessible. Portable wheelchair ramps permit wheelchair users to quickly convert steps into a smooth rolling-friendly surface. Moreover, some wheelchair ramps are designed for into and out of vehicles that are higher off the ground for easier transitions or heavier wheelchairs that are not as easily folded away for transport.
Cushioned Supportive Seat Pads: A comfortable seat pad is a necessity for extended use of a wheelchair, especially for the people who might require extra lumbar help. Moreover, wheelchair pads can help provide relief to sore muscles, reduce tension, and improve sitting pressure. In fact, these accessories have been used in physical therapy to help avoid different skin issues.
Wheelchair bag: One wheelchair accessories every owner should have is a wheelchair bag. This handy and stylish bag can keep important things close at hand for the day's activities. Regardless of whether you use it when you go food shopping or you just need a spot to put your everyday things, a wheelchair bag is an adaptable accessory for all.
Tray: A tray is another accessory that can be used for multiple purposes and requires little effort to set up. Wheelchair trays make eating, writing, working crossword puzzles, or playing cards simpler and more comfortable.
Wheelchair covers: Covers can either be used for protecting the wheelchair from rain, ice, snow, or general dust and debris. These convenient accessories are placed over the wheelchair and can be quickly folded down to fit in a small bag for storage when not being used.
Some covers are designed to be used while the patient is in the wheelchairs. Others are for storage purposes. They come in a rain guard or 'cape' style which permits the users to put on or remove the cover with ease. In the hotter month, look for lighter weight covers and check out the insulated options for cooler temperatures. Also, be sure you elect the sleeve option to protect your clothing as you move the wheels in the rain or snow.
Wheelchair umbrella: With unpredictable weather, an umbrella and wheelchair umbrella holder or "wheelybrella" is another top performer. This umbrella is stable once installed and has a wide coverage area. The holder is made of a rust-proof material with an adaptable area that permits you to change the point of the umbrella, which is enormously useful if the breeze is blowing the rain in a specific direction! The fabulous wheelybrella can also bend over to be used as a parasol to protect the skin against the summer sun on warm days.
Wheelchair gloves: For the people who use a manual wheelchair, it is normal to encounter hand callouses. With all the steady pressure and potential for scrapes, wheelchair gloves are major comfort for longterm users. While wheelchair gloves are intended to keep hands clean and dry, they are also made of durable and safe materials that will hold up through some mild wear and tear. We recommend havng a few pairs waround the home, car, or office in case one set gets lost or is being washed.
How to Decide the Right Wheelchair Accessories for Your Needs
Although we have mentioned a few of our fan favorites, there are a large array of wheelchair accessories available. When you are ready to search for the accessories that are best for your medical and mobility needs, contact our friendly and knowledegeable team for guidance about your top options.
Article provided by: