We know that buying a wheelchair can be confusing and sometimes difficult terrain to navigate, especially when there are so many makes and models of wheelchairs available on the market. If you are someone who relies heavily on a wheelchair or someone who needs to use a wheelchair all the time, it’s crucial to purchase a wheelchair that suits you.
Choosing a wheelchair that is perfect for you requires careful consideration to make sure it meets all your mobility needs and provides you with the best possible amount of comfort. These are the top tips our team at Ausmed Health thinks you should consider when shopping for a new wheelchair.
1. Understand your needs
The first and most important step on your wheelchair buying journey is to understand your needs. Every wheelchair user has unique and individual needs that require consideration. You’ll want to consider factors like your mobility, your lifestyle, any other mobility aids you use and your daily activities.
There are different wheelchairs on the market for different needs like manual or electric options, lightweight or heavy duty designs and varying seat widths and depths. These factors all need to be considered first and foremost so you can narrow down your wheelchair selection from the get go.
2. Ensure a proper fit
There’s no one-size-fits-all wheelchair so you want to ensure that you are getting a wheelchair with a proper fit. You might be best to measure your hip width, seated height and leg length to ensure you get a comfortable and supportive wheelchair. If a wheelchair is too narrow or too deep you may end up uncomfortable. Accurate measurements will ensure a perfect fit leading to ultimate comfort.
3. Types of wheelchairs
There are so many wheelchairs on the market, and much like selecting a mobility aid, choosing the right one for you can be difficult! You’ll want to consider whether you would prefer a manual or electric wheelchair. You may also want to consider your lifestyle factors and evaluate if you need a wheelchair more suited for primarily indoor use or a wheelchair that is going to be best for the great outdoors.
4. Portability and storage solutions
Portability is crucial when it comes to selecting a wheelchair, especially if you are someone that is often on the go. You’ll want to consider the weight of the wheelchair and whether it can be easily folded or taken apart for easy storage and transport. If you travel often you may want to consider a more lightweight wheelchair option.
5. Comfort test
No one wants an uncomfortable wheelchair, especially if you are in your wheelchair for a lot of time every single day. You may want to look for wheelchair features that will add to overall comfort – think features like padded seats, ergonomic design and adjustable armrests to ensure optimum comfort.
Why shop Ausmed Health for your wheelchair?
At Ausmed Health we know how important selecting the right wheelchair is and we can help you ensure you make an informed decision that will be the best for you. We invest time and effort into ensuring we have high-quality wheelchairs that are suited for a variety of individual needs. Make an informed choice and get the wheelchair of your dreams today with our help at Ausmed Health. If you need any further assistance on your wheelchair purchasing journey you can contact a friendly member of our team!
