Blog How Are Manual Wheelchairs Displayed in Medical Supply Stores

Wheelchairs are the most popular mobility aid that facilitates moving around easily. People with any injury, surgery, or chronic health condition often need assistive equipment that solves mobility problems and provides them freedom and independence. 

Manual wheelchairs are the most durable and affordable option for such individuals. It is specifically designed to add comfort and upgrade the lifestyle of mobility-challenged individuals. Now being social and going to family or friends gathering is not a problem. This brings more satisfaction, peace, and relaxation to one's life. 

Difference Between Transport Chairs and Manual Wheelchairs

It looks similar, but these two types of chairs are different in terms of functionality. Transfer wheelchair has a smaller and more compact design that makes them ideal for maneuvering for transporting patients from one place to another. As these chairs have small wheels, they cannot be taken unassisted.

On the other hand, a manual wheelchair is specifically designed to propel the user or caregiver. With small front wheels and large rear wheels, the patient can easily drag the wheelchair. Standard wheelchairs are foldable, easy to transport, simple to use, and flexible for the caregiver.

Key Points to Look for When Purchasing a Manual Wheelchair 

These are also available from local dealers on rent for temporary use or can be purchased to use for an extended period. In either case, taking care of vital aspects can help get the right wheelchair.

Purchasing a wheelchair is a long-term investment. Buying a good wheelchair can cost more, but the user will get reliable equipment to rely on. That's why it is imperative to consider the key points before buying a manual wheelchair. 

1. Self-Propel or Caregiver Propel

There are two types of wheelchairs regarding propelling of the wheelchair. A self-Propel wheelchair has large rear wheels and rims for the user to move the wheelchair. On the other hand, a wheelchair intended to be propelled by an attendant has small rear wheels.

Attendant-propel wheelchair provides more relaxation to the patient and is more convenient for the elderly. However, if the user can easily propel the wheelchair, a self-propelled one is the best option.

1. Health Condition 

Health condition is the chief point that should be pondered while choosing a wheelchair. For patients having surgery or injury that requires limited mobility for a certain time, the wheelchair is the best option.

This equipment is permanently used by individuals with paralysis or other similar disorders that do not make them capable of walking or moving independently. Old and weak individuals generally use a wheelchair and depend completely on it for mobility purposes.

• Transfer Considerations

When moving from one place to another, transferring the wheelchair is the most crucial task. This can be done easily with the wheelchair having removable parts. The models with swing away or removable leg rest and arm rest may facilitate the transfer process.

A wheelchair with a folding feature also plays a significant role in carrying it in the vehicle. Non-foldable models have rigid frames that don't allow them to fold, making it impossible for these wheelchairs to move to another location.

• Weight Capacity and Features

Most manual wheelchairs are designed to bear the maximum user's weight but are available in different heights and sizes. A few models have adjustable height options to fit the need of the patients, but if choosing the one that doesn't have this feature, it is better to pick the one which is perfect according to the exact height of the patient.

Manual wheelchairs are usually light in weight compared to their electric versions. If the wheelchair is foldable or equipped with other features, there will be variations in the importance of the wheelchair.

1. Maintenance and Service 

Based on the usage, a manual wheelchair will require service to keep it in the best working condition. For this reason, a wheelchair with a warranty or guarantee from the manufacturer is necessary. This will cover the maintenance cost of the wheelchair completely or require to spend a nominal amount.

Contrary to this situation, if there is no warranty on the purchased wheelchair, the user then needs to pay for all the expenses for services that might cost high.

Getting a Wheelchair, Online or Medical Supply Store

In today's modern era, where everything is available with just a few taps of smartphones, purchasing a wheelchair online is also possible. The consumer purchases various products while sitting at home, from small devices to larger equipment.

A wheelchair is an expensive piece of equipment with different functions and features. Depending on the health conditions and other needs, it is important to purchase a wheelchair that fits a patient's certain requirements and lifestyle.

Purchasing a manual wheelchair online is riskier, especially for first-time users. There is no understanding of any feature that swells up the chances of choosing the wrong wheelchair that doesn't tailor to the needs. Moreover, when purchasing any electronic item, it is important to ensure about warranty or other relevant services. The wheelchair also requires maintenance and repair after some time, which also costs the user. So if you are interested in buying online, remember to know about the maintenance services and policy of the company. Otherwise, a wheelchair that seems pocket-friendly will turn out as a big spender of money in terms of maintenance.

On the other hand, buying from a medical supply store will provide you with the ease of assessing the wheelchair physically and understanding its features more easily. When purchasing, the user always gets crucial guidance for the functioning of the wheelchair, and there is also an option to contact the medical supply store dealer for further assistance if necessary. Additionally, the user will also learn about the guarantee and warranty of the wheelchair that permit them to get maintenance services according to the company policy.