Light Weight Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs can sometimes be awkward to use because of their weight. Fortunately, lightweight wheelchairs which are more mobile and easier to use are available to fill the needs of many users.
There are a number of benefits of a lightweight wheelchair over a traditional manual chair. One of the most significant, of course, is its ability to be powered by battery. Another benefit is that it enables the patient who still lacks some strength to more easily move the wheelchair using his or her own power.
When it comes to price, lightweight wheelchairs are generally very inexpensive. Medicare can often help, as well. The most common categories of wheelchairs purchased by Medicare are the standard wheelchair (K0001), the standard hemi wheelchair (K0002) (which has a low seat so it can be propelled with the feet), the lightweight, and the lightweight wheelchair (K0003) or the active duty lightweight wheelchair (K0004). In fact, for short term use, Medicare will pay to rent these wheelchairs for you for the first 10 months. At the end of this period, if the wheelchair is still needed, Medicare will go ahead and purchase the wheelchair if the user wishes it to be purchased. The price range for lightweight wheelchairs from independent manufacturers can start as low as $200 and go as high $3,000 for a top-of-the-line chair.
First and foremost with the decision to purchase any wheelchair is its functionality. How will it used? What are the strengths and limiations of the user? Where will it be used? How will it be transported? Does it comfortably fit the user? What accessories are available? What's the price? Is there a funding source available to help with the purchase price?
Here are some additional considerations before buying a lightweight wheelchair. Use these pointers to help assure you find the best quality lightweight wheelchair available on the market:
Most of lightweight wheelchairs weigh between 29 and 33 pounds. This weight range is perfect for prolonged daily use and increased maneuverability.
Most lightweights come with the ability to adjust the height of the back, flip back the armrests, various seat sizes, and quick-release functionality.
Look for lightweight wheelchairs with tires that are changeable. You want to avoid those wheelchairs that require you to change the entire wheel unit when there's a problem.
If the wheelchair already has flip-back arms, in most cases the flip-back arms will supplant the need to be able to remove the arms altogether.
If you're planning to buy a seat pillow, make sure you take it into consideration when measuring for a wheelchair. A pillow can add height to the users seating position.
A strong frame, arm rests, leg rest and a good brake are some of the important features which you should look for when buying a wheelchair.
Finally, it's essential that you also consider the needs of the person who will use the wheelchair. Make sure the user and the wheelchair are a good fit, that it's comfortable and provides the mobility and ease of use that best serves the user. This will be his or her primary method of getting around. Like an automobile, you want your lightweight wheelchair to be more than a good looking chair, you want it to be tailored to your needs.
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