|
|
-
I understand there is a new wheelchair accessory on the market that will enable wheelchair users to attach directly to shopping carts and shop from their own chair. Do you know of this item and who is the manufacturer? Do you know of a company called Richardson?
Name withheld
Answer:
We were able to locate the Care Chair Classic, on abledata.com. It’s a manual wheelchair which incorporates a shopping basket. Sammonspreston.com offers a shopping bag that attaches to a wheelchair, but you’re looking for something more substantial – a proper, accessible shopping cart. We did find a reference on one web-site to “an accessible shopping cart” that attached to wheelchairs with Velcro, but the site said the anonymous manufacturer no longer made them. However, the retailer still managed to get one somehow – custom-made perhaps? Here’s a suggestion: choose a favorite grocery or department store and become a regular. After you’ve made your presence known – often – approach the store manager and ask them to get a cart for the store. Then make sure other people are made aware of what the store has done. Good acts deserve recognition, and other retailers will realize that doing something for their customers with disabilities can also be great for buisiness.
|
-
I am looking for a power chair suitable for a larger person. I tend to find that chairs suitable for a heavier weight do not have a wide enough seat. Can you suggest anything?
Lynda
Answer:
Absolutely. Head on over to wheelchairs.com. They sell a the Big Bounder “bariatric power wheelchair” that’s available in seat widths from 21 inches up to 48 inches. The standard version has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, but they can make one that’s rated up to 1,000 pounds.
|
-
Question: I am in search of hand brakes which mount on the handles of a wheelchair. These are to be used by the caregiver for maneuvering down hill where it is hard to hold a wheelchair back or controlling its speed. Do you have info as to where it might be possible to find one?
Thanks,
Ann
Answer: Several wheelchairs come with attendant-operated handbrakes as a standard feature; most often they’re folding transport chairs. If you want to attach brakes to a chair you already have, there are installation kits designed to fit handbrakes onto the handles of most standard, self-propelled wheelchairs or transit chairs. However, these kits are not that easy to find. One company that used to sell them seems to have gone out of business and another (Medicare Technology, who makes the Wheeltech Easibrake kit) is in the UK. The installation itself looks to be fairly straightforward; but you might want to consult your certified medical equipment supplier to find out if there are handbrakes available that are specific to the make or model of your chair, and to make sure installing the brakes won’t compromise the wheelchair’s functionality and safety.
|
-
Question: - I am looking for a wheelchair that is propelled by one hand, but is not electrical. The wheelchair has a handle that the person can push back and fourth. This handle is attached to the back wheel with a ratchet-like mechanism that propels the chair forward. If you could help me in my search for this wheelchair it would be extremely appreciated. ~Les
Answer: There are some one arm drive wheelchairs on the market, but they are not widely used and manufactured. These wheelchairs are generally larger, heavier and more difficult to fold and transport. A one arm drive wheelchair is a manual chair that has both of its hand rims mounted on one side of the chair. The chair consists of a wheel with two hand rims and the wheels are basically joined together so they can be controlled by one arm. One arm drive wheelchairs have been on the market for some time. The type of chair you are referring to is a lever-type drive system. These lever drive systems are also designed for one handed use. These are not wheelchair accessories, but are complete wheelchairs. Some of the larger wheelchair manufacturers make one arm drive wheelchairs. Lever-driven, or ratchet arm wheelchair systems, consist of a lever operated drive that is attached to the hub of each of the wheels. The wheelchair is propelled by applying a push or pull motion to the top end of the levers. You push or pull the lever forward and backward to move the chair and you turn the lever left or right to turn the wheelchair.
|
-
Question: What are the lightweight wheelchairs called that one finds in malls that you can borrow at the information desks? ~Janelle
Answer: In my own experience, malls extend the use of transport wheelchairs to their guests. These light and foldable transport chairs are easy to transport and to push. A transport wheelchair is also a valuable mobility aid for individuals who don't normally require wheelchairs, but typically use a walker or cane. For more information please visit the Transport Wheelchairs page.
|
-
Question: What does Bariatric mean?
Answer: The term "bariatric" refers to a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of obesity. Simply put, bariatric means weight management. The word itself comes from the Greek word "barros" which roughly translates into heavy or large in English. Some people think the word refers to surgery, but that's only one treatment that bariatricians have at their disposal. Bariatric wheelchairs, scooters, ramps, lifts and other mobility aids basically refer to mobility devices for larger people. These items are built specifically for heavy people and they are designed to support a specific weight. When buying bariatric goods, make sure you adhere to the weight capabilities of the item for safety, insurance and warranty reasons.
|
-
Question 1: Have you heard of a wheelchair that can be used on stairs, in blocks of flats where there are no lifts? ~Abdu
Question 2: I've heard there is a newly invented wheelchair that is able to help a disabled person go up and down the stairs. If it is true where can I find one? How much would it cost? ~Ann
Answer: A new alternative to stair lifts is the iBOT 3000. The FDA approved the Independence iBOT 3000 Mobility System in August of 2003. The iBOT 3000 is a battery-powered wheelchair that is able to climb stairs and uneven surfaces both indoors and outdoors. The iBOT 3000 relies on computer sensors and adjusts wheel position to keep the center of gravity always under the chair's wheels. The chair ascends stairs backward and descends forward. The iBOT 3000 Mobility System is manufactured by Independence Technology (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) and is said to retail for $29,000. To learn more about the iBOT 3000 visit the Independence Technology website.
|
-
Question:
My wife has broken a bone in her foot and needs to use a wheelchair. We do have one, but I am 6' 7" tall and the handles are too low. Do you know of any adaptation we can buy that offers higher handles for me to hold whilst pushing? ~Peter
Answer: Many wheelchairs (especially pediatric wheelchairs made for children, teens or those made for small adults) are made with adjustable-height push handles. So I don't see why your wife's standard wheelchair handles couldn't be removed and replaced with the adjustable handles. Consult with an occupational/physical therapist or a mobility devices distributor to find handles that suit your model of chair.
|
-
Question: Please let me know if you have ever run across any company that manufactures wheelchairs powered by fuel cells. ~Mark
Answer: Good question! Fuel cells are basically electrochemical devices which generate electricity by means of hydrogen or methanol. Fuel cells are often used to power buses, cars, scooters and bicycles. A company in China has designed and developed a wheelchair that runs on a fuel cell. Another company called Fuel Cell Components & Integrators developed a number of wheelchairs that operated on fuel cells a few years ago. This company was supposed to be working with some major US wheelchair manufacturers and a line of fuel cell operated wheelchairs was supposed to have been launched, however, I'm having difficulty finding any commercial models. Three wheeled scooters were also designed to run on fuel cells a few years ago. These wheelchairs have definitely been researched and developed, but I'm unsure if the idea was scrapped or if fuel cell wheelchairs are still going to hit the marketplace in the near future.
|
-
Question: My teenager is due for a new motorized wheelchair. The dealer is recommending a mid wheel-drive chair. Is this a good idea? ~Peggy
Answer: Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs have been out for about 10 years now. Mid- wheel drive wheelchairs are commonly used and highly recommended by many wheelchair users and manufacturers. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs usually have six wheels on them. They have two larger, powered wheels that are affixed to the base of the chair. These wheels are surrounded by four smaller wheels, a pair of casters and a pair of anti-tipping wheels. The casters and anti-tipping wheels can be placed in the front or the rear of the chair. Mid-wheel drive chairs are apparently excellent for indoor maneuverability. These power wheelchairs come in various sizes. The smaller-sized chairs are also ideal for use in small houses, apartments and nursing homes. The larger mid-wheel chairs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use however, some independent tests recommend high-end, rear-wheel drive powered models for different outdoor terrains and snow. Mid-wheel chairs' generally have the best maneuverability in confined areas because the drive wheels are located near the center of gravity instead of at the front or back of the chair.
|
-
Question: Could you advise me on what sort of wheelchair would be suitable for someone who can't walk and does not have power in arms to self propel? It would need to be used outdoors for going to shops, etc. ~John
Answer:
Motorized wheelchairs are the preferred powerchair for those with weak upper body strength that are unable to maneuver a manual wheelchair. Newer motorized models are even available with spring suspension, which offer a smoother ride than manual chairs over uneven territory.
Motorized wheelchairs are controlled by a programmable joystick so they don't require much upper body strength and they provide more maneuverability for getting in and out of small or tight spots - such as shops.
|
-
Question: there any electric wheelchairs available for people over 700 lbs? ~Sharon
Answer: There are wheelchairs available for heavier people. These wheelchairs are built with various seat widths that are wider than standard-sized wheelchairs. Some of these chairs are built to hold up to about 900 pounds. Wheelchairs for heavier people are available in manual and electric models. These chairs usually come with heavy duty foot rests and heavy duty batteries. The front casters and side frames of most of these wheelchairs are reinforced and gusseted at stress points for extra strength and reliability. Most of these wheelchairs also have extra large arm rests, heavy duty front forks and dual axles for added strength. If you are going to buy a wheelchair for a heavier person, make sure that the chair has been certified to carry a certain amount of weight. Don't buy a wheelchair that is certified for carrying 500 pounds for somebody who weighs more than that, as it could be dangerous.
|
-
Question: I work as an assistant physiotherapist. We are looking for information on wheelchairs that go from a normal sitting position to a standing position with plenty of support for a patient. Can you provide any information? ~Yvette
Answer: There are many sports available for wheelchair athletes to play, enjoy and compete in around the world. If you are looking for books on wheelchair sports, or for coaching books specifically, you can try contacting some of your local or national wheelchair sports organizations. You can also try your local book shops and if they don't have any books in stock you may be able to order them through the shop. You can also search online at shopping sites like Amazon to find these books. Online searches will also help you locate various wheelchair sports organizations around the world.
|
-
Question:
My granddaughter, age 2-years, is having hip surgery next month. She will be in a full body cast for a minimum of 6-weeks and then in some type of brace. A friend of mine recommended a wheelchair which lies flat, so we could move the child from room to room. Does such a thing exist?
Joyce
Answer:
Yes, there are power chairs for children that are designed to recline into a flat position. These are typically used by individuals with severe mobility disabilities or spinal cord injuries. Fully-reclining wheelchairs typically offer a wide range of tilt options - elevation, decline, tilt to a maximum of 45-degrees, and completely flat positioning. However, I'm not sure this type of wheelchair will work for someone in a rigid cast, and might require the hips or legs to be flexible enough to provide a slight bend that wouldn't be possible for your granddaughter.
I did, however, come across a piece of mobile equipment known as a prone, supine and vertical stander in my search. These innovative transport devices resemble a stretcher on 4 swivel wheels. They can hold a person in a flat horizontal (lying down) or flat vertical (standing up straight) position while being wheeled around. Standers have support pads below the head, trunk, pelvis and knees, and they also provide a foot plate to help support the child in an upright vertical/standing position at their feet.
Standers are typically used for individuals who can't stand, and would be otherwise confined to a bed. They are meant to provide weight bearing support to gradually get your child's muscles and joints used to standing again as they go through therapy. I found this information about prone, supine and vertical standers thanks to a company called AdaptiveMall. For more information call toll free 1-800-371-2778.
Prone, supine and vertical standing equipment is pretty expensive (approximately $4000 online), and I don't believe the cost would be covered under medical insurance for someone who wasn't mobile-impaired and required the equipment for such a short period of time. I would recommend checking with the hospital that's performing your granddaughter's operation to see if you can rent one . Also, because the design of these devices is pretty simple, one can also be made quite easily out of plywood with foam support pads by a handy relative or friend.
|
-
Question: My friend's father is the owner of an electric wheelchair, but in the last few days when he uses it or even when charging, the horn sounds on and off. Could you please let me know what could the problem be? ~Billy
Answer: It sounds like some sort of wiring problem, but please contact the manufacturer of the wheelchair directly as they are experts on their products. Does you friend's father still have a warranty covering the wheelchair? This is even more of a reason to contact the company he bought it from directly, as a warranty could fully or partially cover any repairs to his chair.
|
|
|
|
