July 9th, 2009
The wheelchair is one of the oldest and most widely used mobility aids and has gone through a lot of improvement over the last couple of years. At first it was only used in hospitals and retirement homes to transport people with mobility disabilities from place to place. Now it has come to be a self mobility aid.
Some years ago the power wheelchair was invented that allowed people in the wheelchair to propel themselves to places using battery power. It had a railing at the side of the wheel that could to be pushed forward or backward to move. Today you can get electric wheelchairs that are powered by a set of batteries that can be charged anywhere. These wheelchairs are very easy to operate by those in the wheelchair. The good thing about this is that it does not require any effort on the part of the person in the wheelchair or any other person to power it along. This is the reason you may find even elderly people in wheelchairs moving along by themselves without the need of anyone else’s help.
A new type of wheelchair has been invented that can be operated by the use of a tongue. This wheelchair enables those with serious spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegics to manoeuvre a powered wheelchair with the help of simple tongue movements. This is a clinical trial completed by the school of electrical and computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of technology.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
July 1st, 2009
There are different types of mobility aids available for the disabled and the elderly. Mentioned below are the some of the most useful and popular mobility aids.
Mobility scooters
Besides being easy and fun, mobility scooters are very helpful for those with mobility disabilities and those who may not be able to walk long distances. Mobility scooters have found great popularity among the elderly. You can now see many elderly people zooming around pavements to the grocery stores or to meet their errands. Mobility scooters have given these people the freedom and self dependency that always wanted.
New wheelchairs
The regular wheelchair has given way to new and improved aids such as the electric wheelchair and the power wheelchair. The electric wheelchair is a battery powered, and joystick controlled mobility aid that allows people with severe mobility disabilities to move around effortlessly. The powered wheelchair on the other hand if of two types, self propelled or attendant propelled. Attendant propelled wheelchairs are mostly used in hospitals. A new mobility aid that is very effective is the stair lift. Stairlifts allow people with mobility problems to climb stairs effortlessly.
Aids that make you comfortable
For people with disabilities that do not allow them to venture out, there are mobility aids available such as the adjustable bed and the rise and recline chairs. The adjustable bed can be adjusted to the required level to make that person comfortable. Rise and recline chairs are for those who have back problems. They rise when a person wants to stand and can also be pushed back for more comfort. Rise and recline chairs also have a footrest attached to them.
Posted in Scooters, Wheelchairs | No Comments »
May 30th, 2009
Electric wheelchairs can be considered as one of the best means of mobility for the disabled or the elderly. These units are specially designed so as to meet the needs of the mobility impaired. Electric wheelchairs can be operated easily and the user can perform his or her day-to-day activities much more efficiently. This helps them to maintain an independent and active lifestyle.
Electric wheelchairs can also be used by people who experience limb movement restrictions or partial immobility. Electric wheelchairs can also be used by individuals who experience strain or pain while walking or standing for long periods.
Electric wheelchairs operate with the help of batteries and are controlled by a joystick. They are quite versatile and can be used for indoor as well as outdoor use. When purchasing an electric wheelchair, always select the right type of design that is comfortable and easy to use. Furthermore, these units do not require being pushed around by a person as they operate on batteries. Physical stress does not need to be exerted either for ease in movement, unlike in the case of self-propelled wheelchairs.
Electric wheelchairs are a modern means of mobility for the disabled and are very cost effective. They can also be easily folded and stored when not in use. Electric wheelchairs are available as either front wheel, mid wheel as well as rear wheel drive.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
May 21st, 2009
Wheelchairs are by far the most popular and most used type of disability equipment. Although several updated and motor operated versions of manual wheelchairs are available, in many cases it is better to opt for a manual wheelchair as it keeps the person active without any assistance from a machine.
Manual wheelchairs are available in two basic types, self propelled wheelchairs and assistant propelled wheelchairs. Assistant manual wheelchairs are best for people who need someone to look after them.
Self propelled manual wheelchairs are best for strong and healthy people who have lost their ability to walk as these keep them active and can instil a sense of independence in them which may boost their self esteem.
Manual wheelchairs too have evolved with time and today are available in many designs and weights. An ultra light manual wheelchair is easy to manoeuvre and can be moved easily without much effort. Such wheelchairs can be even used in narrow corridors as they can take sharp turns and are easy to manoeuvre.
Manual wheelchairs can also be used outdoors depending on the type of wheelchair the user has chosen. They are quite comfortable as they are fitted with cushioned seats, backrests and armrests. These wheelchairs can also be folded easily and transported in a car for the convenience of the user.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
May 11th, 2009
The ability to walk can be lost due to a variety of reasons, but that does not mean you will stop living the life you previously lead altogether. A lot of mobility equipment is available today which can be used for gaining the kind of freedom you previously enjoyed.
Electric wheelchairs are battery operated and help you to move about freely without the need for anybody else’s assistance. Electric wheelchairs are virtually noiseless and can be controlled using a joystick that is attached to the arm rest. Electric wheelchairs are available in a variety of designs which helps people to choose, according to their requirements.
Modern electric wheelchairs are lighter and easily manoeuvrable. These electric wheelchairs can turn 360 degrees on the same spot which implies that these are fully capable of taking sharp turns and move through narrow corridors.
Electric wheelchairs are extremely comfortable as these are fitted with cushions and can be adjusted according to the user’s requirements. Special additions like a carrier or canopy can easily be added to the electric wheelchair.
Electric wheelchairs can be used in indoors as well as outdoors, which allows the user to roam about independently. Electric wheelchairs can be easily folded and transported which makes it easier to transport to any location. So, why not buy an electric wheelchair and free yourself from the shackles of dependence?
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
April 29th, 2009
Electric wheelchairs are usually powered by a motor that runs off a rechargeable battery. People who use a wheelchair all the time should use electric wheelchairs. Motorised chairs offer many benefits to the disabled and the mobility impaired.
Some electric wheelchairs are especially made to be used indoors and hence using them outdoors can be problematic. However there are many different types of electric wheelchairs available.
If you are planning to buy an electric wheelchair then you need to consider the following points.
One should search for the wheelchair which suits their own specific needs. One of the features you should consider when purchasing the chair is its weight, the design, the power source and its capacity.
People have been using electric wheelchairs for some time and they have now become very technologically advanced. They assist people in going anywhere they wish at the press of a button.
Choosing an electric wheelchair is an important decision, there are so many available. One of the best options is to look at the differences between different chairs online so your choice will be easier.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
April 22nd, 2009
Wheelchairs are the most commonly used mobility devices. Though wheelchairs are very convenient, they cannot be operated smoothly at all times. There are times when people who use wheelchairs can not visit certain places because the infrastructure does not support their use.
Not everyone can refurbish their establishments to make them wheelchair friendly. Therefore, using wheelchair ramps is one option that many people use. Today, wheelchair ramps are easily available and hence purchasing them is not a problem. A portable wheelchair ramp can used anywhere, hence making it easier for the wheelchair user.
When purchasing a wheelchair ramp, make sure that the size of your ramp is big enough to fit the wheelchair comfortably. Your wheelchair ramp should also be strong and durable, being able to carry the weight of both the chair and the user.
Wheelchair ramps are very light in weight and hence can be carried from place to place. Therefore, you can use your wheelchair ramps in places that are not suitable for your wheelchair. It is important to remember that the longer the ramp, the larger is the distance that can be covered by the user.
Wheelchair ramps can also be folded, which makes them very convenient for the user, they also come in different designs, giving you convenience at all times.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
April 20th, 2009
When the ability to move about and walk on your own is taken away from you all of a sudden, it becomes very difficult to cope. However, a small addition can make a big difference by making you free and independent once again. An electric wheelchair is a piece of mobility equipment which can do just that.
Electric wheelchairs are battery powered and so you do not need to use much effort to move in your chair. Electric wheelchairs are easy to handle and can be operated by a joystick which is fitted to the armrest. An electric wheelchair is thus fit for people of all ages and any physical build.
Electric wheelchairs are very manoeuvrable and can turn 360 degrees on a point. Thus you can move about easily, even in narrow corridors and can take sharp turns effortlessly. Electric wheelchairs are very comfortable as they have a comfortable footboard, cushion seats, back rests and arm rests. Extra accessories like a headrest or a basket can also be added to the electric wheelchair according to your needs.
Electric wheelchairs can be used outdoors as well as indoors. You can move about freely at home and roam around the shopping centre or the park without any assistance if you use an electric wheelchair. Thus, buy an electric wheelchair and re-introduce yourself to complete freedom.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
April 18th, 2009
The mobility aids that are available today have not only increased the comforts of disabled and elderly people, but have also provided them with more options to choose from. Wheelchairs have probably been one of the most used mobility aids in the world. This is because they can provide the kind of assistance required by the disabled and elderly people for moving from one place to the next.
However, there are some minor limitations that wheelchairs have, both self-propelled and attendant-propelled. Strength is required to manoeuvre a wheelchair and not everyone has that amount of strength. Such situations would then require a wheelchair that did not require much effort by the user.
Electric wheelchairs are the ideal solution in such situations. This is because electric wheelchairs are powered by a motor and can be controlled with the help of a joystick that is on the armrest of the wheelchair. Since electric wheelchairs have a motor, there is no need to push them around. The user can move around without any assistance or help. One of the best advantages about electric wheelchairs is that they can be used outdoors as well.
Electric wheelchairs are available in different models to suit all user requirements. Different electric wheelchairs have different weight carrying capacities. Based on this and the level of comfort the electric wheelchair provides, people can find the ideal electric wheelchair that will last them a very long time.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »
April 16th, 2009
Electric wheelchairs are an effective source of movement for people who are mobility impaired. Electric wheelchairs can be used by any individual, who is temporarily or permanently disabled and can even be used by people experiencing pain while walking or standing. Electric wheelchairs are available in various models, attractive colours, and designs. Electric wheelchairs can be used both, indoors, as well as outdoors.
Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, it is advisable to check the wheelchair looks comfortable. This is important as most electric wheelchair users spend a lot of time sitting in the chair. Electric wheelchairs are simple and easy to operate. They are not expensive and available at affordable prices. Some people even consider electric wheelchairs to be much more comfortable and user-friendly than normal manual wheelchairs. The main reason is because the user does not exert any physical strength to push the electric wheelchair forward. The best advantage of electric wheelchairs is that they allow the disabled person to live their life independently without the help or support of any other person.
Electric wheelchairs offer many benefits to the user. These wheelchairs are also widely used in places like hospitals and care homes. There are models of electric wheelchairs available that can be easily folded and stored. They are also light in weight, which makes them very convenient to transport from one place to another in the car or any other vehicle.
Posted in Wheelchairs | No Comments »