Bariatric Wheelchair Seat Width
Seat Width
Having the appropriate seat width is crucial to wheelchair users who spend longer durations in their chairs. Too narrow a seat will trigger pressure on the hips and thighs which could cause sores or pressure points. Having too broad a seat can likewise make it hard for the user to reach the hand rims to move themselves or maneuver in little spaces.
To determine the correct seat width a person would sit on a chair generally and have their measurement taken across their lap at the best point which is generally their hips. A wheelchair determining tape can be used to determine this, however a lawn stick is preferred as it avoids individuals from covering the tape around their hips which would provide an unreliable result.
The standard wheelchair seat width is 16" (narrow grownup), 18" (basic grownup), and 20" (wide grownup). For bariatric clients, a 24" seat is readily available. bariatric living aids from Medline includes swing-away footrests, a carbon steel frame with rust- and chip-resistant chrome plating, and easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery. It has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
Seat Depth
Traditionally, the seat depth of a bariatric wheelchair was included 2" to the measurement taken at the user's best point (normally their hips). This was indicated to accommodate extra layers of clothes that might be used during winter. However, this practice is becoming less typical as wheelchair users have the ability to spend more time inside and are not wearing long coats. This makes the seat depth of a chair less important when selecting a bariatric wheelchair. However, it is still crucial to select an option that offers sufficient assistance for larger users.
The Medline folding additional wide bariatric manual wheelchair includes a comfy 24" seat width and a heavy-duty slide tube silver vein frame. It likewise has an adjustable axle and tool-free raising legrests.
Seat Height
When it concerns identifying the right wheelchair seat width you should constantly determine from the user's largest point which is normally their hips. You will also require to consider whether the user is going to be wearing a winter season coat as this might add 2" to the width required.
When a wheelchair remains in usage it ought to just be operated on level surfaces with the wheel locks totally engaged. This is to avoid the chair from being able to move slopes that are 10 degrees or greater. It is also essential to bear in mind that any activity that might move the center of mass in the chair need to be done with care. This consists of reaching for products that need the person to lean out of their seat or trying to stand up from it.
Whenever you have the chair in usage it is recommended that you frequently examine it for damage and lubricate any locations that are deemed required. For instance, the casters must be oiled by removing the caster fork and using a multi-purpose grease to apply to the caster stem bearings. Similarly, the foot plates can be changed by loosening the bolt and after that moving them to the desired position. This permits the feet to sit comfortably on the footplate and avoids any pressure points from forming. This can be really uneasy for the user and if left ignored, can cause pressure sores.
Weight Capacity
Bariatric wheelchairs are created to support more weight than standard wheelchairs. This makes them stronger and better geared up to handle falls. They are also generally larger and wider, making them less maneuverable in tight spaces than basic wheelchairs. They require lorries with special ramps and lifts to load them, as well as drivers who understand how to best transport them from one place to the next.
When selecting a wheelchair, consider its weight capacity as it will be the primary determining aspect in whether it will accommodate your passenger's needs. The weight capacity of the chair is typically listed as a static load, implying that it indicates the amount of weight the chair can conveniently hold while stalling. Nevertheless, some producers also note an active load that is based on a drop test and can simulate the result of someone sitting down in the chair. This may be a more trustworthy measurement of the weight limit, depending upon your requirements.
If you prepare to perform activities that move your center of mass in the seat (such as grabbing objects), be sure to have front casters pointed in a forward direction and wheel locks engaged so the chair will not topple. Also, inspect that casters are oiled regularly to avoid extreme wear and abrasions. The lubrication treatment includes getting rid of the fork, separating the caster from the wheel, and greasing the caster stem bearings with high-quality multi-purpose grease.