A Letter from Our Therapist

Do you know that the best wheelchair is the one that is most suitable for you?

To choose a suitable wheelchair, you need to consider proper seat width, leg support, back support, etc. A suitable wheelchair can bring convenience to one’s life, reduce the caregiver’s burden, and improve a user’s intention to go out. On the contrary, a poorly fitting wheelchair can make it quite uncomfortable and inconvenient for the user, and possibly cause a secondary injury.

In fact, many secondary injuries can be prevented in advance. For example, an elderly, commonly suffering from backache or humpback, can select a suitable wheelchair with right seat width and positioning accessories according to his or her body so as to maintain good posture. In addition to the wheelchair size, one must also take into account the user’s mobility, activities and living environment to enable the user to live a healthy lifestyle.

Take sitting pressure for example:

Sitting for long periods of time may cause a person to feel uncomfortable or have pain in the buttocks. The elderly and handicapped on wheelchairs are especially prone to a pain that that used to be called bedsores, but is now referred to as pressure sores. These sores are decubitus ulcers, which can be dangerous and fatal when left untreated.

Pressure ulcers can come with a hefty price tag. According to a study in the U.S., the average cost of treating the condition is $2,731 and can reach a staggering $40,000, depending on the severity and stage of the ulcer. Not only does a wheelchair user have to deal with the pain, it also creates extra burden for the caregiver. To avoid such a situation, one must fully understand the user’s body condition, size and living environment before placing an order.

It takes time and effort to find a good fitting wheelchair. But for the health of yourself or your love one and for preventing possible secondary injuries, it is worth all the effort.