Archive for the ‘Wheelchairs’ Category

Staying Mobile With a Power Wheelchair

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

The whole purpose of wheelchairs is to facilitate greater freedom and independence for people who might find it difficult or impossible to do without the assistance of the wheelchair. Only 1 – 2% of everyone who could really use a wheelchair actually has one or has access to one at this time.

Consider yourself and your family fortunate when you are able to do this. If you feel sorrow about your good fortune simply help others in addition to enjoying your luck instead of feeling guilty because you are luckier than someone else. Some people are relatively indifferent but at the other end of the spectrum are very sensitive people who have a hard time dealing with the knowledge of others suffering even when they themselves don’t.

The level of disability or difficulty may vary. In some cases, a scooter would be more helpful because it provides assistance without taking away the ability for people to move around on their own. Many people who can still walk may need a supplemental form of transportation for long periods of being out and about. No one who does not actually need one should be relegated to one. For those who really do need one, powered wheelchairs are a great benefit.

For those who would not be able to walk anywhere, there is a great increase of freedom and mobility with the wheelchair. The only downside – please laugh even though there may be a grain of truth in this, is that people who enjoyed certain aspects of their dependency may have to make some adjustments to new independence. There may be more responsibilities than there were for awhile, for example.

There are restrictions, at least some of the time, that are not caused by the person or the wheelchair. Elevators are fine, but stairs are impossible. For those learning to live with a wheelchair for the first time, it may require some new investigations into the local terrain in order to get a sense of what is going on. Once learned, some of these things can be changed, but some cannot. People should know that efforts can be made to have ramps and other wheelchair accessible entries included in buildings. It is good to know that there have been some efforts to improve conditions for those disabled people able to make use of wheelchairs to obtain greater freedom of mobility.

Learn more about San Diego wheelchairs. Stop by Access Medical’s rehab wheelchairs site where you can find out all about power wheelchairs and what they can do for you.

categories: san diego wheelchairs,power wheelchairs,mobility products,wheelchairs

Wheelchairs

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

One of the biggest tragedies in life is losing one’s mobility. It happens to most of us at one point in our lives, especially if we grow old enough to have various health conditions. Also, those who are unlucky enough to have accidents are especially prone to losing their mobility.

This is, truly, a tragic time in life. Walking to where you want to go might seem like a normal activity for most of us. But to those who have lost this ability, the desire to go somewhere becomes more pronounced, and the inability to do so makes things increasingly depressing. The worst part about it is that with the loss of mobility comes the limiting of freedom. Sometimes it can be restored in a few weeks time, but there are times when it can’t. Still, you should not lose hope. It’s not the end of the world. You can buy a wheelchair. It won’t restore your freedom entirely, but it’s certainly much better than nothing.

First, though, you have to determine particularly what type of wheelchair you require.

Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs are those that can be moved by mechanical means. Mainly, this type of wheelchair is utilized when the person still has use of both his arms and has enough strength in them to move the wheels and move himself forward or backward. Or, if the patient has a caregiver who can move the wheelchair when needed, then the manual wheelchair can also be used. What’s good about it is that it’s quite inexpensive and it can aid the person maintain strong muscles, at least in the arms.

Electric-powered Wheelchairs

Electric-powered wheelchairs, on the other hand, are wheelchairs that are propelled through the power of electricity. Commonly, this is used for elderly people and for those who cannot use their arms for propulsion. They’re also used by those who have heart problems. Its speed and direction can usually be controlled by the use of a joystick. Those who are unable to use a joystick, however, have choices such as chin control. Also, electric-powered wheelchairs are oftentimes designed for indoor use exclusively or for outdoor use. But it’s generally better to buy the one designed as both an electric-powered wheelchairs can be very costly. Luckily, those who truly need one but cannot buy an electronic wheelchair can be issued one by various organizations.

Don’t buy a wheelchair for your child before reading James’ advice on wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

An Investigation Of Remote Monitoring & Alerting Systems for Healthcare Mobility

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Is this something you have heard before?

“My 78 year old mom was walking around her condo front yard. She fell outside and broke her hip and no one was around to help. Her cell phone landed 15 feet away from her and she couldn’t crawl to it. She had a wireless life alert pendant, but it didn’t work as she was too far away from her condo (were the base station was located). She had to wait 2 hours before someone found her. She could have died.” Cookie S.

This could happen to anyone! Wireless life alert systems are extremely limited, and really require the person to be close to their “base station” which is often located in their home or bedroom.

An automated system to call for help is required by many people with physical or mental challenges!

If someone you know is physically or mentally challenged, has limited mobility and cannot always be left by themselves, you should consider an automated remote alert and monitoring solution. Piece of mind can be given to loved ones of these individuals while independence and personal freedom is maintained to some degree.

Remote alerting and monitoring systems help both the caregiver and the needy. Many physically or mentally challenged are faced with situations where they need help in emergency situations. These systems can save a life.

Cutting edge technology can provide relief to both the caregiver and to loved ones.

Technology also introduces issues, however. Wheelchairs and scooter pose a particular problem. These devices can greatly extend the range of an otherwise immobile person potentially leaving them far from help and home.

People with limited mobility find comfort in scooters and powered wheelchairs regardless of age. Recent technology developments and cost offsets by insurance companies, have increased the use of scooters and powered wheelchairs. Personal freedom and improved quality of life is provided regardless of the type of mobility device.

Power wheelchairs can travel between 10 and 15 miles on a single battery charge. This distance can potentially place an individual far from either home or other caregiver. The convenience of this power wheelchairs certainly add value to a person with limited mobility. Many people use them not only for moving around the house, yard, residential development, but also for traveling to local shopping centers and visiting friends and family.

Wheelchairs can be dangerous and it is advised that users should bring a cell phone with them when they travel. However, some people have difficulty in using a cell phone. Others may have sudden attacks that prevent them from using a cell phone.

More effective solutions to the use of cell phones may exist. This investigation looks at these alternatives.

A scooter or powered wheelchair user can travel far from help. A sudden attack or accident could evolve into something much more serious without immediate attention.

Monitoring and Alerting – What is it?

Monitoring measures information such as physical condition such as blood pressure, sugar levels, etc. Alerting is reporting of the monitored information. The are two different things. Many systems are able to monitor, but few have a robust alerting capability and even fewer provide both.

Between monitoring and alerting, the most critical is alerting. When a person is in trouble, they need to alert someone for help. However, in an unexpected accident they may not have the ability to call for help. In this situation, automated alerting would be required. The complication with automated alerting is that it requires monitoring.

Various sensors are used to monitor parameters. Mobile individuals often require sensors that are battery-powered. Sensors send the data to be analyzed. When something goes wrong an audible or visible alarm is activated. Some robust alerting systems can provide an email alert, text message or even a voice call.

The Value of Monitoring and Alerting

Real-time monitoring and alerting for your power wheelchair or any mobile medical device can significantly reduce the danger associated with accidents or physical collapse. A monitoring system can track the user’s location, vital signs, equipment maintenance issues, and can offer a “panic button” all coupled to an automated alert notification system that can be configured to notify the user’s doctor, ambulance, family members, neighbors, local first responders, and other caregivers.

Looking to find the best deal on HealthCare Monitoring and Alerting, then visit www.ScooterTracker.com to find the best advice on great wheelchair accessories for you.

categories: Wheelchair accessories, Scooter, wheelchair, disabilities, healthcare, health

Wheelchair Vehicle- What You Should Know

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Wheelchair users often find a wheelchair vehicle necessary to maintain their mobility and independence. Transportation to and from work, running errands and performing day to day activities require having access to their wheelchair at all times. Standard vehicles were not created to to accommodate wheelchair bound individuals and their chairs, making the purchase or conversion of a mobility modified vehicle a necessity.

There are many options for those wishing to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle. As with purchasing any other type of vehicle, the consumer can choose between buying new and used. A used vehicle more than a few years old probably isn’t a wise investment, as it has been exposed to more wear and tear. Warranties on these used vehicles when available, may be limited due to the age of the vehicle. In addition, buying new may have many benefits such as warranty and/or replacement services, the option of extra features, and not to mention state of the art wheelchair accessibility equipment.

Finding a vehicle that will suit the needs of the individual is almost as important as choosing the right kind of chair. There are many types available, while many of these vehicles may be vans, there may be several other vehicle models available.

One of the biggest differences in most models are the wheelchair unit accessories themselves, the size, and style of the vehicle. Standard accessibility units may include either a traditional ramp or lift, or one of the new electronic devices.

Not all models will have the same kind of equipment and the buyer should make an informed decision based on their particular needs.

A wheelchair vehicle allows many freedoms to the individual that must utilize a wheelchair. As with any other type of vehicle, the consumer should weigh their options and choose wisely. Affordability, costs, personal tastes, and the needs of the individual should all be of importance when it comes to transportation. These vehicles are not only convenient, but of high quality, and the consumer’s safety is always put first.

If you need a high standard wheelchair vehicle, go to www.tga-electric.com now for a look at our superb selection

Mobility Walkers: Moving Forward Through Life

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Whether you call them Zimmerframes, as they are known in the UK, or mobility walkers, these devices help stabilize and balance disabled or elderly people so they can walk easier.

The original design, and still in use today, is a frame that is about one foot in depth, around waist height and a little wider than the average body. To move forward, the user holds onto the sides, picks the walker up and places it a little ahead of them. They then step forward a bit until they are in their original starting position. In this way, they do not lose their balance while moving forward.

Improvements to mobility walkers over the years allow for much more comfort and ease of use. They are now height adjustable, for example. This is an important feature as the user should be able to bend their arms slightly to keep good circulation. It is also possible to purchase walkers in different sizes: smaller for children or larger for the overweight person.

Wheels are the most important improvement that has been made, improving ease of use of the walker, as well as helping the user to move more quickly. Walkers with wheels come in different styles. They can be just like the original design but with wheels in the front. They can have wheels in the front with glides or caster wheels in the back. Or they can have wheels in the front and back, either a total of three or four.

More advanced than the basic walker with wheels is the rollator. In Europe, the rollator comes with a shopping basket and handbrakes. The shopping basket top becomes a seat as well. And the brakes are used to help turn the walker in addition to stopping it.

A three-wheeled mobility walker is a good choice if stability is not as important. It is easier to transport and more compact and also easier to fit into smaller places and to turn.

Four wheeled mobility walkers are a bit more difficult to steer and take up slightly more space but offer more stability and balance than the three wheeled variety. These also come with more comfort features such as a seat.

Whichever mobility walker you decide on, mobility walkers in the UK could not be easier to find. There are a number of stores online to choose from with every make and model available. And many of these will ship their product directly to you at no extra charge.

If you require a high quality mobility walker you should go to our website at www.tga-electric.com today

Where To Find Your Wheelchair Vehicle

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

A wheelchair vehicle is a necessity for many physically impaired individuals. For wheelchair users, being mobile is a very important aspect of daily life. Mobility allows for a better quality of life and greater independence. The standard vehicle was not originally made to accommodate a wheelchair, which serves as a hassle to those who must use one. A good solution to such an issue is to invest in a vehicle that is readily wheelchair accessible. These vehicles can provide more room, ease of access, and solve trans portion problems. This can open up a world of opportunity to those that may be wheelchair bound.

When purchasing a mobility modified vehicle there are several options to choose from. One key factor is determining whether to buy a new automobile to have modified, a pre-owned automobile that you will need to have modified or a pre-owned automobile that has previously been modified. Another very important consideration is the life of a vehicle.

Finding a vehicle that will suit the needs of the individual is almost as important as choosing the right kind of chair. There are many types available, while many of these vehicles may be vans, there may be several other vehicle models available.

This is not only true of a vehicle set up for a wheelchair, but for any other vehicle on the market.

Not all models will have the same kind of equipment and the buyer should make an informed decision based on their particular needs.

A wheelchair vehicle allows many freedoms to the individual that must utilize a wheelchair. As with any other type of vehicle, the consumer should weigh their options and choose wisely. Affordability, costs, personal tastes, and the needs of the individual should all be of importance when it comes to transportation. These vehicles are not only convenient, but of high quality, and the consumer’s safety is always put first.

If you want a good quality wheelchair vehicle, go to www.tga-electric.com now for a look at our superb range

Make Your Wheelchair More Effective

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

There are some people who are of the opinion that being in a wheelchair is a devastating and impossibly horrible condition. Such a view is not true, because a wheelchair is something that affords mobility and the freedom of movement to those who might have otherwise been confined to the bed. One’s attitude towards wheelchairs is a reflection of whether he/she sees the ‘glass being half full or half empty’. There are many people who have to be in wheelchairs for certain unavoidable reasons, but who are able to lead full and productive lives with dignity and joy.

If you care to look around, you will find that there are many people who may be in a wheelchair but have been so creative, and positive which helps them to be an inspiration to others. It is possible to paint, sing, play a musical instrument, teach, and use a computer while being in a wheelchair. All of this just speaks volumes about the beauty of the human spirit and the intrinsic resilience that is part and parcel of every human being.

People in wheelchairs often need something to sip while they are in the wheelchair, waiting for a diagnosis or some kind of treatment. This may be some coffee, a cola or an energy drink to perk them up and keep them going the whole day long. If they have the use of cup holders, they can do so without creating a mess which makes these quite convenient and easy to use too.

Using cup holders is a cinch, if one were to make use of the latest Velcro fasteners which make it so easy to keep the cup holders in place properly. You do not have to keep fumbling with the cup holder

Looking for cup holders is an easy task in this day and age. There are a number of websites that provide ample info about cup holders as accessories for various objects, including wheelchairs.

Blake Masters has several friends and family with special needs. He is amazed by the creativity of drink holders and how they relate to wheelchair coffee holders.

Mobility Scooters UK: The More Convenient And Attractive Alternative

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Mobility scooters UK are far more attractive and convenient to use than wheelchairs. And for the person who once only had that alternative, the fact that they do not resemble wheelchairs is an important factor.

Mobility problems can come at any age for many reasons such as injury, disease or some other type of infirmity. Mobility loss, along with all the other changes that come with age, is a subject of sensitivity for the elderly. Not having to rely on a wheelchair allows them to retain more dignity, as it is seen as sportier than simply a symbol of age.

The configuration of mobility scooters is a flat area for the feat, a seat on top of two back wheels and handlebars. They may have one or two front wheels, which the handlebars steer. A mobility scooter resembles more of a golf cart than a wheelchair.

For the mobility impaired person who is lacking in the strength and flexibility to use a wheelchair, the mobility scooter is much easier to use. It provides them with an independence that was not possible to them prior.

While mobility scooters can be gasoline powered, they are far more often powered by batteries. These batteries can then be charged with either a separate or onboard charging unit with ordinary electric power.

Some scooters are smaller and best used for indoor use, while others are larger and can be used either inside or out. Mobility scooters, especially ones that can be used outdoors, offer the elderly and disabled a freedom that was previously denied to them. They no longer have to wait for a friend or family member to have the time to take them for short trips.

While you are deciding which scooter model you prefer, think about how you are going to use it. Will you need to transport it often? Is it going to be used outdoors or only inside? Are there any limiting factors where you will be using it, such as the width of doorways?

These days, mobility scooters UK are so common that one can often borrow or rent them in public places. There are many places to look on the Internet if you are interested in buying one for yourself. Whichever model you prefer, you can find it online, and often these stores provide free shipping within the UK.

For the best range of superb uk mobility scooters, go to our website at www.tga-electric.com now

The Best Mobility Scooter Batteries

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

If you need a battery for your mobility scooter then there are many options available. You should be sure to choose a site that specializes in mobility scooter batteries to know you will have access to professional assistance if needed.

If your battery doesn’t seem to be holding a charge for long or if it is sluggish or just performing badly then you may need a new battery. If you are uncertain of needing a battery you may want to find someone who can test it for you to see.

Besides knowing what brand of scooter you have and who manufactured it you will also need to know if you need a gel or AGM battery. Mobility scooter batteries also come in different size and it is important to get the right size for your scooter. All of this information will be used to determine the price of you battery which usually runs from 45 pounds to 150 pounds each.

You may have a scooter that takes two batteries. They are sometimes in a box that is connected to your scooter and you will need to open this to find out. That means you can’t simply measure the box to know the approximate size of your battery. Most manufactures suggest that your replace both batteries at one time to ensure proper functioning of your scooter.

Before placing an order you should always know the companies return policy as some companies may not accept returns unless the product is defective. The company from which you purchased your scooter should have your record on file and be able to tell you exactly what you need to order. They usually have replacement batteries you can buy directly from them without the need to go else where.

No matter what your needs are when it comes to mobility scooter batteries, you should be sure to keep your scooter running properly to ensure the safety of you and of your loved ones.

For the best range of mobility scooter batteries to power your wheelchair vehicle, visit www.tga-electric.com today

Making the Walker To Wheel Chair Transition Easier

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

Making the transition to a wheel chair from a walker can be quite rough. Even though thousands of people make this transition every year, the patient can sometimes feel like their body has finally given out on them. But with a few simple tips, you can help to make the transition a little smoother from them.

There are many considerations, but throughout the process its important to remember not to rush the patient. There are emotional, psychological, and physical concerns that all most be considered.

The first step is consulting with a physician. Wheelchairs are prescribed just like drugs are, so you will need this prescription in order to purchase one. Ask around for a good physician if you don’t already have one that can be helpful in this process.

An attending physician will be able to help you if the patient is already in a hospital. It is your responsibility to make sure the physician is well informed as to relevant information about the patients condition. Make sure nothing is left out as even small seemingly unimportant concerns will influence the type of wheel chair the physician will recommend.

Another thing you will have to consider is whether to go with a manual or electric wheel chair. Each has advantages, disadvantages, features and benefits. The patients condition determines which type of pursue but remember that wheel chairs can be tailored or customized to fit the needs of the patient.

A manual wheel chair will require arm strength, but is the preferred choice if at all possible. While an electric wheel chair may be preferred an important consideration is that they may not provide as much exercise as a manual wheel chair can offer.

The environment the patient and the new wheel chair will be in is also a consideration. You should think about stairs, surface heights, doorway widths, bath rooms, and flooring options. This can be a tedious process, but is well worth it for the patient.

Finally, you’ll need to figure out whether or not the patient will need a care giver to provide assistance. This doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition though because care givers can stop buy once a week or so to help out.

There are lots of people available to help in the process. Always ask for help and remember that by keeping these considerations at the forefront of your mind, the process of moving from a walker to a wheel chair can be a simple one.

Nathan Mattel is a consultant primarily working with patients requesting a San Diego wheelchair. With over 15 years of experience in manual and electric wheel chair consulting for the San Diego California disability community, he can help you find the right wheelchair for you or your loved one.