For individuals living with spinal cord injuries or who require wheelchair mobilization, choosing the right system is a much more in-depth process than selecting one “sight unseen.” When searching for the right wheelchair system, there are a number of factors that you should take into account.
Medical and Logistical Factors
The ideal wheelchair selection should optimize ease of movement around your home or community. Additionally, it should support proper posture to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers.
Your size and shape also factor in, as well your level of strength. For example, if newly recovering, you may lack the muscle power required to hold you up properly. If those muscles aren’t working properly, it’s important to have elements that will help keep you straight and positioned.
Transportation and Accessibility
Two additional considerations to take into account when selecting a wheelchair system include transportation and accessibility. Power wheelchairs aren’t fit for your typical automobile, so you may end up investing a lot of money in a specialized van if you need to drive somewhere–especially if public transportation isn’t an option. The alternative is equally undesirable: Being limited to only as far as your power chair can take you throughout the neighborhood.
With a manual wheelchair, it’s simpler to lift up and down stairs with assistance from others, unlike a power chair, which requires you to have a ramp. However, you need to make sure you can cut corners sharply and that the turning radius is suitable for your home.
Cost Considerations
Many insurance companies will only provide coverage for a minimum of five years—and even then they may only allow for repairs. Finding the best fitting system from the get-go is imperative since your insurance is unlikely to pay for another one just because you got the wrong one the first time.
To ensure you’re not spending a ton of money out of pocket, you should enlist trusted professionals that can provide comprehensive guidance on finding the right system. This includes involving family members who may be assisting with care. An occupational or physical therapist may help with your selection. You may also have a seating specialist present who are familiar with the equipment interfaces and insurance coverage.
At the end of the day, it’s important to go to a facility that specializes in products for spinal cord injury or stroke. If you don’t have the ability to talk to an expert and “test drive” the equipment, then you won’t get an idea of what system will work for you.
Get the Right Team on Your Side
Finding a team of experts that can help you find the right wheelchair system isn’t easy. Luckily, the University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network is here to help. The UM Rehabilitation Network is a system of rehab providers across Maryland that work together to help people recover from illness or injury. They can help you better understand the options available to you or even help you “test drive” various systems.
Hear From Our Experts
Listen to Karin Seeley, a senior physical therapist at the UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute and member of the UM Rehabilitation Network, discuss how you can find the best wheelchair system for your needs.
