Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

4 Things To Consider When Purchasing A Wheelchair For Your Child

25 October 2017 by Hugh Larson

If your child needs the assistance of a wheelchair, you need to make sure that your child's wheelchair fits their needs now and into the future. You need to think about how the wheelchair will be transported, where it will be used, how comfortable the wheelchair is, and how it looks.

#1 Transportation

The first thing you need to consider is how the wheelchair will be transported. Do you have a fully accessible wheelchair van with a lift that allows your child to get in and out of your vehicle while still in their wheelchair? Or do you need to fold the chair up and put it in the back of your car or SUV?

Children's wheelchairs often do not fold up in the same way that adult wheelchairs do, so be sure to check how the wheelchair folds up and can be transported. Make sure that your vehicle has enough room to transport your child's wheelchair.

#2 Where It Will Be Used

Second, you need to consider where and how your child's wheelchair will be used. If your child will be using the wheelchair around your home, you may want a wheelchair that is more on the lightweight side and is easy to maneuver. If your child likes to take part in physical activities, such as basketball, you need to make sure that the wheelchair you purchase for your child is made for active kids and has a more athletic set-up.

Think about where and how your child will use the wheelchair, and make sure that the wheelchair has features that will make it easy for your child to use in their day to day life.

#3 Comfort

Third, comfort is important as well. Your child spends most of their time in their wheelchair, and it needs to support their body. Select cushions for the wheelchair that are thick enough to provide support, but not so thick that they make sitting down uncomfortable for extended periods of time.

The chair should also come with footrests to make it easier for your child to sit up. Make sure that the footrests are set at the right height for your child's height. Increase your child's independence by making sure that they can adjust the footrest and elements of their chair for comfort.

#4 Looks

Finally, remember that for child looks are important as well. Your child may not enjoy having a plain grey or black wheelchair. Your child may want to express their personality more with their wheelchair.

You can now purchase colored wheels for your child's wheelchair as well as covers for the wheels that are decorated in various designs. You can also purchase colored cushions. Allow your child the opportunity to customize their wheelchair in a way that allows them to express their personality.

When purchasing a wheelchair for your child, be sure to consider transportation, where it will be used, comfort, and looks. Involve your child in the process of choosing a wheelchair that best fits their needs. 

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