Some things deserve to be the perfect fit. At O’Sullivans Mobility and Daily Living Aids, we believe that your wheelchair should be one of them. When buying a wheelchair for the first time, the vast number of choices that you are faced with can seem quite daunting and it is no surprise that many of the people we talk to can feel rather overwhelmed. So how do you know when you have found the perfect fit? We’re here for you to make this process simple, straightforward and stress free. We’ve put together a list of what we believe are the most important points for you to focus on when you are on your journey to finding your perfect wheelchair size.
1. Seat
In order to measure the seat width, you should measure the persons hips from one end to the other. We recommend that you add two inches to this figure. The aim here is to ensure that you have some breathing space but not too much either. Now for the depth of your perfect wheelchair. We advise that you measure from the back of the hips to the back of the knee, and this time subtract one inch. This measurement allows for maximum comfort and prevents the seat from hitting the back of your knee.
2. Arms
You may have already noticed that their are two arm lengths for the majority of wheelchairs; full length and desk length. For people who frequently rise and sit, and are looking for increased stability, we recommend the full length arm. In comparison, the desk length arm is more suited to the person who will be sitting at a desk for an extended period of time, and are ultimately seeking added comfort. We determine arm chair height by measuring from the elbow to the seat of the chair. We always recommend height adjustable arms in case individual preferences change over time.
3. Footrest
If you suffer from oedema, specific injuries or swelling, then we recommend elevated leg rests. These rests have the ability to lock on the majority of wheelchairs so as to prevent excessive movement. We determine the correct fit by measuring from the back of the knee to the heel of the foot.
4. Backrest
We find that backrests can be particularly subjective when we are helping our clients to find their perfect wheelchair. Ideally, your backrest should reach to your collarbone. For those of you who prefer more movement and mobility, backrests can be made shorter to suit. For people who desire additional back support, backrests can be made higher.
5. Weight
Wheelchairs are rated for weight capacity. It is absolutely vital that you know the persons correct weight when you are choosing a wheelchair. It is also important to remember that some people are simply more mobile than others. Assessing a persons upper body strength is also fundamental when selecting a suitable wheelchair weight.
So if you are on your journey to purchasing your perfect wheelchair then you have come to the right place. With our headquarters in Cork, we are Ireland’s leading provider of high quality and most affordable wheelchairs. We would be delighted to assist you on your journey. We also offer next day FREE DELIVERY on all in stock wheelchairs, nationwide. You can check out our range of wheelchairs and accessories here. Alternatively, visit our main store at www.osullivansaids.ie
