All too often wheelchairs are often associated with elderly folk however frequently the play important roles to many younger people. Wheelchairs may still be foreign to you if you or anyone close to you has not experienced anyone using one nor been exposed to the lifestyle of a wheelchair user.
You may already know how significant personal mobility is especially if you have broken your leg or ankle. Of course, you did not like being unable to move or at least go through your daily activities. Reducing your ability to get around can not only lower your quality of life but also cause certain medical conditions to get worse.
Below we have laid out some questions many laymen ask, along with some answers that may help you realise how important wheelchairs are these days.
Can I adapt my home for wheelchair use?
Yes, many find benefits in ensuring that each door's width is sufficient to allow wheelchair users in and out. Wheelchair ramps are also used where steps are found. Sometimes, more specific bathroom adaptations have to be in place. Very often, families with a wheelchair user opt for bungalow accommodation.
For those with limited or no knowledge about making home improvements to accommodate for wheelchair users, specialist contractors are available to discuss and realise your requirements.
Why not visit the NHS site where you can read about home adaptations by clicking here
When were wheelchairs first used ?
Wheelchairs go as far back as 526CE when Chinese craftsmen, the first sighting of a chair on wheels however it was not capable of being self propelled. Then, the first folding wheelchair made from steel tubing, something more familiar to the modern day wheelchair, was created in the 1930s by Henry Jennings.
What to do when hands become irritated by propelling the wheelchair ?
Many manual or self propelled wheelchair users have this problem. Most choose special gloves that can be worn for long periods of time without having any feeling of discomfort. These gloves are often made of leather.
Sometimes, they have extra padding in the palm area to fully protect the hands of the wheelchair user. These sometimes cover only the palms to allow users to wear them and be fully functional. This way, they have no need to take the gloves off.
Does one wheelchair size fit all ?
No. Wheelchairs are not in this category. Although there are usual standard sizes, many have been created specifically for children. Wheelchairs come in varying sizes to fit almost any user. Or, wheelchairs can be custom built for those who do not suit a standard sized wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with different weight capacities to suit the needs of all sizes of users.
Will my household insurance policy cover my wheelchair ?
This depends entirely on your policy and it pays to enquire direct with your insurance company. If you do not have insurance opt to buy from specialist mobility insurers . Some foundations and other social groups also provide financial aid for mobility devices.