A wheelchair is an excellent solution for short term mobility issues for someone of all ages and abilities. There are several ways to get a wheelchair if you or someone has a need for one; borrowing one free from the NHS or hiring one.
Hiring a Wheelchair
If you are not entitled to an NHS wheelchair through personal circumstance, the best option is to hire one. As a local wheelchair service, we can also help determine if you do need a wheelchair and the best type which is suitable to your requirements.
The length of time you hire a wheelchair will differ from person to person. It could be needed after an operation or accident, and this can determine how long you need a wheelchair and other mobility aids. If it is serious, your GP or physiotherapist will have given guidance on how long you will need one.
Choosing a Wheelchair
You may think all wheelchairs are the same, but there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a wheelchair. First of all, you need to consider if you will be pushing it yourself or will be pushed by someone else; some wheelchairs are designed to be better at being operated by the wheelchair user.
You should also think about how much the wheelchair will be used. If it will not be often and mostly indoors, a more basic design will be sufficient. However, if you will be using it outdoors and almost daily, a more robust wheelchair will be a better option.
Like with mobility scooters, there is also the comfort factor to consider for your wheelchair. No matter how long and how often you will be using it, you want a wheelchair that is comfortable to use.
When hiring out a wheelchair, you will also be responsible for keeping it in a good condition. As such, you may want to ask about the cost for maintenance and repair of the wheelchair you prefer.
Manual Wheelchairs
For manual wheelchairs, they are most suited for those who can walk, be it with a walking stick or frame, but do not cope well with longer distances. When it comes to manual wheelchairs, you will also need sufficient strength and movement in your arms to propel them forward. If you cannot do this, a wheelchair pushed from behind will be better. When looking for self-propelled wheelchairs look for those with the pushrim and quick release wheels.
At Essential Mobility, we have been supplying wheelchair mobility products for several years. The range we have enables you to choose exactly the right one for your needs, and you can choose from long or short term hire at competitive rates. Our experienced team is based in Barnstaple, North Devon, but we do cover the whole of the South West. We also have a selection of high spec mobility scooters if a wheelchair does not meet your needs. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.
