Choosing the right wheelchair involves assessing the user's physical needs, lifestyle, and environment. When choosing a wheelchair, one should pay attention to fit, type, portability, and safety features such as brakes and anti-tippers. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, is also highly recommended to ensure the best medical fit, comfort, and function.
This guide will walk you through how to choose a wheelchair for elderly loved ones or those recovering from surgery or illness. It will cover the different types of wheelchairs available and provide recommendations on where to buy a wheelchair in Singapore that meets your specific requirements.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wheelchair
User's Needs
The first step in choosing a wheelchair is to determine the user's specific daily requirements, which primarily include:
- Mobility Level: Evaluate whether the chair is for full-time mobility or occasional use. It is important to decide whether the user can self-propel with large rear wheels or requires a pushchair that a caregiver can easily use.
- Environment: Consider where the chair will be used most frequently. Models for indoor use require a tighter turning radius for narrow hallways, while outdoor models require a frame that can handle varied terrain, such as parks and pavements.
- Support: Assess the need for specialised support for the head, back, or arms. You should also consider whether reclining or tilting features are necessary.
Sizing & Fit
Accurate wheelchair measurements are vital to the user's comfort and health. You should pay close attention to the following during the fitting process:
1. Seat Width
Measure hip width to select the correct seat width. When sitting in the wheelchair, try putting fingers on both sides of the user's hip. If there is adequate finger space at the widest part of the user's hip, the seat is a suitable fit.
If the wheelchair is too narrow, it can cause circulation problems or skin breakdown, increasing the risk of developing painful pressure sores. If the wheelchair is too wide, it will be more difficult for the user to wheel the chair. Additionally, it will affect the user's posture, as they may have to lean to one side of the wheelchair for support.
2. Seat Depth
The ideal seat depth should be two fingers shorter than the user's upper leg length.
3. Back Height
The proper back height of the wheelchair depends on its purpose and the period of time the user will be sitting in it.
If the user has to spend extended periods in the wheelchair, consider getting a higher backrest that extends past the shoulder blades to provide more support and stability. Conversely, if the user is active and will need to wheel themselves around, a lower backrest is generally recommended, as it allows greater arm range of motion, making it easier to wheel the chair efficiently.
4. Seat to Floor Height
The ideal sitting position should be 90-90-90. 90° bend in the hips, 90° bend in the knees and 90° bend in the ankle. The upper legs should be parallel to the ground; the knees should not be elevated or dip below the hips.
The user should also be able to sit comfortably with their feet flat on the footrests or the floor, as this proper alignment also helps with safe transfers. If the seat-to-floor height is too low, consider adding a cushion to raise the wheelchair.
5. Armrest Length
Selecting the correct armrest length depends largely on the user's daily activities and the furniture they use most frequently.
Desk-length arms (pictured above on the left) are shorter, allowing the user to sit close to a desk or table. Conversely, full-length arms (pictured above on the right) are longer. They might not fit under the table, but they provide better leverage for the users who have trouble getting out of the chair.
Wheelchair Types
When choosing a wheelchair, it is helpful to know the available types to see if a particular design matches the user's lifestyle. Here are common types of wheelchairs that are available:
1. Standard wheelchair: Standard wheelchairs have armrests and footrests that are fixed on the wheelchair. These can be operated independently by the user, but they also feature handles for pushing by someone else.
2. Lightweight detachable wheelchair: This wheelchair is similar to a standard wheelchair. However, its armrests and footrests are both detachable for easier side transfer, such as to and from a bed or a car. It is also lightweight and foldable, making it easier to lift and put into a car boot.
3. Power wheelchair: Electric wheelchairs allow users to travel independently using a joystick or control pad. While they are typically heavier than manual models due to the battery, foldable models are available for easier transport.
4. Tilt & recline wheelchair: These types of wheelchairs can tilt the entire seat frame or recline the backrest to redistribute weight. They are usually used by users with muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injuries.
5. Transport chair: This type of wheelchair is compact, lightweight, foldable, and portable. It is ideal for hard floor surfaces like those in shopping malls, hawker centres, etc. It features small rear wheels. Thus, someone must be pushing the user.
6. Active sports wheelchair: This type of wheelchair is for users with active lifestyles. They can typically be customised to fit the user's requirements.
Features & Accessories
There are several other features to consider to ensure the wheelchair is a good fit, such as:
- Wheels and Tyres: Consider the type of tyre the wheelchair uses. Solid PU tyres are better on hard surfaces and require low maintenance as they do not puncture. Pneumatic tyres enhance comfort by absorbing impacts, reducing bumps and jarring caused by uneven surfaces.
- Portability: Check the frame's foldability and weight for easy transport in a vehicle.
- Safety: Look for features such as anti-tippers, and ensure the chair is crash-tested if the user will remain in it during vehicle transport.
- Comfort: Consider pressure-relieving cushions, padded overlays, and adjustable leg rests or headrests.
Essential Steps to Take
Understanding how to choose a wheelchair involves a few practical steps to ensure long-term satisfaction:
- Consult Professionals: Before purchasing, see a doctor, Occupational Therapist (OT), or Physical Therapist (PT) for a thorough clinical assessment.
- Measure & Test: Get precise measurements and always test-ride several models. Ensure the chair functions fit in your specific environment, including the lift, narrow corridors, and the bathroom.
- Check Transport Requirements: Test how easily the wheelchair folds and ensure it fits into car boots, storage spaces, or on public transport.
- Consider Long-term Support: Ensure components such as armrests and back heights are adjustable to maintain proper posture over time.
Where to Buy Wheelchairs in Singapore
Choosing the right wheelchair is a significant step towards regaining your independence or ensuring your loved ones' comfort. At DNR Wheels, we bring over 30 years of expertise to every fitting, offering solutions developed in collaboration with therapists to ensure clinical safety and comfort.
Explore our full range of wheelchairs and pushchairs online or visit our showroom today for a personalised consultation.
