Mobility Info - Canada
Attendant Wheelchairs
An attendant wheelchair - that is, one designed to be pushed by a helper – is usually lightweight and easily transportable, featuring relatively large rear wheels. The wide variety of stylish models on the market today is a far cry from the bulky, ugly, institutional types of old.
According to the Disabled Living Foundation, full-time users might also consider an active user wheelchair, a very light and manoeuvrable type of chair that was originally developed for wheelchair sports and is typically self-propelled. Whatever the eventual choice, the Foundation recommends having an occupational therapy assessment before looking for a wheelchair, and that both user and carer should try out several potential models before reaching a final decision.
For the user, the seating base needs to be both stable and symmetrical, supporting the body and allowing the weight to be distributed evenly. The dimensions of the seat, backrest and footrests should ideally be such that an angle of 90 degrees can be maintained at the knees and between the thighs and torso. A wheelchair whose dimensions fit the user is less likely to lead to pressure sores.
The angle of the footrests and footplates should be adjusted to accommodate different leg lengths and prevent feet from sliding off. Some wheelchairs have footstraps that ensure that feet do not slip off the footrests. The backrest too should be shaped and angled to support the user properly, though the height of the backrest is very much down to personal choice depending on individual requirements. Armrests should support the elbows at 90 degrees; some chairs have removable armrests to facilitate transfer or to avoid getting in the way when sitting at a desk or table.
For the helper pushing the wheelchair, the important issues are undoubtedly manoeuvrability and ease of propulsion. The larger the wheels and the further forward they are set, the easier it is to tip the chair back to negotiate kerbs and bumpy ground. Tipping levers can assist the attendant with kerb climbing. Some wheelchairs have slightly cambered rear wheels that are angled towards the chair as they go up, making steering and turning simpler.
A short wheelbase will make it easier for the helper to push a wheelchair, since this decreases the turning circle. A power pack fitted to the back of the chair is useful for providing temporary extra assistance when tackling an uphill slope.
Most attendant wheelchairs are lightweight, but some also fold up and/or have removable components so that transportation is much more straightforward. Furthermore, the size and body shape of a user does not necessarily remain static nor does their level of disability, so a wheelchair that can be adapted or whose components can be interchanged will be extremely versatile.
Aluminium wheelchairs tend to be lighter than steel ones, so are easier to push and lift. Tyres can be pneumatic or solid; the former provide greater shock absorption and a more comfortable ride, whereas the latter are more hardwearing and carry no risk of puncture. Thicker tyres also result in improved shock absorption. Many chairs have castors at the front rather than fixed wheels, making the chair easier to manoeuvre and turn. Brakes operate either on the tyres or the wheel hubs.
