After a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, your loved one’s ability to move may become impaired. They might experience temporary issues after an accident, such as broken bones or weakened muscles that force them to use a wheelchair. Or, they may suffer from paralysis and need the help of a wheelchair permanently. If your loved one needs to use a wheelchair, your family will have to choose the right one for their situation. There are two major types of wheelchairs to choose from – power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs. Learn more about these options as well as what is best for your loved one’s situation here.
Power Wheelchairs
Modern technology allows for power wheelchairs to help people with certain disabilities. If a person does not have use of their upper body, or has very little use of their upper body, power wheelchairs are a great option. This is because a person will not have to push themselves along, as with a manual wheelchair. Instead, they can operate the wheelchair using less strenuous movements, such as a remote control or something to that effect.
Modern power wheelchairs have come a long way over time. They are much lighter, faster, and more powerful than previous models, without being weighed down with big motors or batteries. Many of them also have additional features, such as:
- The ability to climb curbs
- Portability
- Front wheel drive
- Rear wheel drive
- Bluetooth connectivity for controller
- Adjustable seat positions
- Different levels of support
- Power elevating seats
- Arm, foot, and leg rests
- Stand up option
While these wheelchairs can be very helpful for those facing paralysis or muscle weakness, they can be expensive. You will likely have to spend at least a few thousand dollars if you want to buy a power wheelchair. The price can be steep, especially on top of medical bills and treatment. In some cases, health insurance will cover some or all of the cost of the wheelchair. Alternatively, money recovered as compensation from the at fault party could go toward a power wheelchair.
Manual Wheelchairs
In some cases, your loved one may not need all of the bells and whistles of a power wheelchair. Depending on their accident and injuries, a manual wheelchair might be a better fit. If your loved one has good function of their upper body, look into a manual wheelchair for them. This type of wheelchair is operated by rolling the wheels with the arms.
While manual wheelchairs are a bit more work, they also have their benefits. They can help the person using them to strengthen their upper body. In addition, modern manual wheelchairs are lightweight and have suspension systems. There are also manual wheelchairs that fold, making them easy to transport from place to place. Another benefit is that manual wheelchairs are generally less expensive than power ones. You can get a good quality manual wheelchair for a few hundred dollars, compared to spending thousands on a power wheelchair. If your loved one can properly and safely operate a manual wheelchair, your family might want to explore this option.
Getting Help
Choosing a wheelchair is just one step of many in helping a loved one recover from a serious injury. Consider the pros and cons of both options in order to find the right fit for your loved one. For assistance choosing a wheelchair, or for resources to help your family through this difficult time, you can contact my office.
