As a result of injury or illness, people are often confined to a wheelchair. Someone needs a stroller for the period of rehabilitation, someone, unfortunately, will spend his whole life in it. It is very important to take the choice responsibly. An incorrectly selected vehicle will cause the patient great discomfort. It is possible delay and even the impossibility of recovery.
How to choose a wheelchair?
More recently, the problem of choosing a wheelchair in our country did not exist. Due to the lack of choice as such. Disabled persons were isolated and served by the state. The quality of this service is another story.
Today, people with disabilities are becoming increasingly socialized. Demand creates supply. The market offers a huge variety of similar products. There are both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Of course, you should make your choice on the basis of the advice of a competent physiotherapist who is familiar with your medical history and individual characteristics. The disease involves an individual degree of dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. One thing is certain - you need to choose the highest quality products that will provide maximum comfort. Trying to save on health is definitely not worth it.
Kinds
Manufacturers try to make life as easy as possible for the patient and his family. Recently, modern lightweight constructions equipped with an electric drive and additional options are increasingly appearing on sale. They allow the patient to move around practically without outside help under any conditions, they can be easily folded and fit into any car. In addition, they are quite light in weight and very compact. Terrible pictures from films from the end of the last century are gradually fading into the past.
It is necessary to clarify the terminology. The wheelchair is designed for the movement of people who, although limited in their mobility, are able to independently manage it. Using modern models of products, they are able to lead an almost full-fledged lifestyle.
For people who cannot drive a wheelchair on their own, a wheelchair is provided. The patient in the gurney is moved by a special attendant.
The whole variety of wheelchairs can be divided into two types:
designed to move on a flat, solid surface, mainly indoors;
designed to move around the street.
Of the disadvantages of modern wheelchairs for home and street, only their relatively high cost can be noted. Unfortunately, for many, this criterion is crucial. Below we will take a closer look at each of the species and try to choose the best option.
Wheelchair for the street
It is even more important for a sick person than a healthy person to be in the fresh air as often as possible. A street wheelchair must meet a number of minimum requirements:
Have pneumatic tires, otherwise a patient with his own body will feel every unevenness and bump. Such tires have a significant drawback - from time to time they require pumping. The rest is just perfect.
Provide the patient with a comfortable and safe fit while moving. A person with disabilities, falling, will not be able to rise independently. The stroller should allow easy maneuvering the movement of the shoulders and body.
Compact in size and light in weight. Often elevators in our homes, ramps near shops, etc. are not designed for the disabled.
- Easy to fold and fit in the boot of any car.
Have increased cross-country ability.
The presence of a powerful electric drive is highly desirable. A sick person can not always rely on the strength of his own hands. Modern wheelchairs with a drive are very compact (pictured above).
Stroller for home
Moving indoors to a sick person is also not easy. A wheelchair for the home must also meet a number of criteria:
It is advisable to use solid tires. They are more durable and ideal for moving on a flat floor. The photo above shows a modern wheelchair with solid tires.
The presence of an electric drive is more a whim than a real necessity.
Maximum safety and convenience for the patient should be ensured.
Secrets of the right choice
Let's give some general tips:
1. When choosing a wheelchair, the following measurements must be made and taken into account:
The most important is the width of the seat. It should equal the maximum width of the patient’s pelvis plus 5 centimeters. This will allow you to correctly distribute the weight of the patient and experience a minimum of inconvenience.
You can do it easier. Put your palms between the patient’s pelvis and the seat on both sides. The hand should pass freely. But there should not be extra space.
To get the desired seat depth, measure the distance along the patient’s thigh from the edge of the buttock to the inside of the knee bend. Subtract 5-7.5 centimeters from the obtained value.
Improper seating depth can lead to problems with the knee joints.
The height of the seat depends on the length of the patient's legs. Feet should be five centimeters from the floor. Measure the foot from the heel (including shoes) to the level of the thigh. Many use a special pad. In this case, take measurements taking into account half its height. Add to the obtained value 5 centimeters.
Measure the distance from the elbow to the top of the seat. Add to the obtained value of 2.5 centimeters. Armrests should be placed at this level.
Correctly choose the height of the back will help an experienced physiotherapist. It directly depends on how limited a person is in movement. The lower the back, the greater the patient’s maneuverability. Minimum backrest should be 10 centimeters above the armpit.
2. Pay attention to the equipment. A footrest and armrests should be minimally present. It is desirable to have an electric motor.
3. Having chosen a specific model, look on the Internet for reviews of those who are already actively using it.
For example, the photo below shows a folding wheelchair.
Below we consider the main manufacturers and reviews about them.
Manufacturer's Reviews
The huge variety of products on the market today is striking. First, consider domestic manufacturers. Note that rumors about the lack of competitiveness of domestic products are not unfounded. 4% of companies share 90% of the market in Russia.
1. ANO "Katarzhina"
The company is positioning itself as a manufacturer of wheelchairs for rehabilitation. We are talking about the so-called active wheelchairs. They are intended for people who are able to lead an active lifestyle. To a certain extent, these strollers allow you to play sports. Such products are designed to give a person the opportunity to service themselves.
The wheelchair in the photo below does not prevent the child from playing ball and enjoying life.
Many company employees themselves are forced to use such a means of transportation. The company's management claims that they make all products “as for themselves”. In addition, the company actively conducts social programs, provides training and retraining for the disabled.
It is not known whether this is actually so, but consumers do not praise the company's products.
2. OTTO BOKK Mobility LLC
The Russian branch of a well-known German company. It has been operating since 1991. The main office is located in Moscow. It has branches in the regions. The company declares its mission to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. What is behind the loud slogan? Reviews about the company's products are quite controversial. Consumers note the reasonableness, convenience, a wide selection of options and settings. At the same time, they often complain about the poor quality of products and their inability to Russian weather conditions.
3. LLC "NPP" INCAR-M ""
The company has been manufacturing products for the disabled since 1995. The focus is on innovation. The company's products have repeatedly won the prestigious international exhibitions. According to the manufacturer, the products can be operated in any conditions, even at the North Pole. As a material, modern high-tech polymers are used. Consumers generally confirm this information. We were not able to find negative reviews about the products of this company.
4. BCARI Overcoming LLC
It aims at a comprehensive solution to the problems of people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, it is a charitable foundation. Exists since 1991. Actively conducts social activities. Also specializes in "active" type strollers.
The consumer reacts neutrally to this brand. Judging by the reviews, there are both advantages and disadvantages. They note both the convenience of individual models and low quality in general.
Having examined the Russian manufacturers, we can conclude that consumers are more likely to opt for domestic products. Due to financial considerations. Often these strollers are provided by the state for free. Most products have pronounced disadvantages.
This is not surprising, because until recently, our public and official authorities were of the opinion that people with disabilities should be isolated from society. Western experience shows that people with disabilities can not only, but must live in society. And feel comfortable.
Foreign suppliers
German and American companies can be distinguished from foreign suppliers. Most consumers note the high quality and customer focus of Western companies.
They are “turned face” towards the disabled. Imported products are not always more expensive than domestic ones. But top models with a package of options that will help a disabled person lead an almost full-fledged lifestyle can cost from 300,000 rubles. The following companies are especially distinguished:
Emosign.
Titan Deutschland GmbH.
Invacare
Meyra.
In the photo below, an imported electric wheelchair.
The import market offers quality products to any wallet. Our companies, unfortunately, are hopelessly behind. If in the budget segment our companies can somehow compete with the western ones, then in the premium segment there is no chance.
In fairness, we note that the situation is gradually changing the vector towards improvement. Domestic companies are gradually entering the world stage. Some developments are worthy of attention. True, their price exceeds Western counterparts. When the fracture comes, it is impossible to predict.