Bariatric Wheelchair Seat Width
Seat Width
Having the proper seat width is essential to wheelchair users who invest longer periods in their chairs. Too narrow a seat will cause pressure on the hips and thighs which might result in sores or pressure points. Having too wide a seat can also make it tough for the user to reach the hand rims to propel themselves or maneuver in little areas.
To measure the correct seat width a person would sit on a chair typically and have their measurement taken throughout their lap at the largest point which is normally their hips. A wheelchair determining tape can be utilized to measure this, but a yard stick is preferred as it prevents people from wrapping the tape around their hips which would provide an inaccurate result.
The standard wheelchair seat width is 16" (narrow grownup), 18" (basic grownup), and 20" (large adult). For bariatric clients, a 24" seat is readily available. This durable additional wide bariatric wheelchair from Medline features 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
Typically, the seat depth of a bariatric wheelchair was included 2" to the measurement taken at the user's largest point (usually their hips). This was suggested to accommodate extra layers of clothing that may be worn during winter. Nevertheless, this practice is ending up being less typical as wheelchair users are able to invest more time indoors and are not using long coats. This makes the seat depth of a chair less essential when selecting a bariatric wheelchair. Nevertheless, it is still important to choose a choice that offers adequate support for larger users.
The Medline folding additional wide bariatric manual wheelchair features a comfy 24" seat width and a durable slide tube silver vein frame. It likewise has an adjustable axle and tool-free raising legrests.
Seat Height
When it comes to determining the correct wheelchair seat width you need to always measure from the user's largest point which is normally their hips. You will likewise require to think about whether the user is going to be using a winter season coat as this might include 2" to the width needed.
When a wheelchair remains in usage it should only be run on level surface areas with the wheel locks fully engaged. This is to prevent the chair from being able to move inclines that are 10 degrees or higher. It is also essential to keep in mind that any activity that may shift the center of gravity in the chair must be made with care. This includes grabbing items that need the individual to lean out of their seat or trying to stand up from it.
Whenever bariatric living aids have the chair in use it is suggested that you routinely check it for damage and lubricate any locations that are deemed necessary. For example, the casters should be lubed by eliminating the caster fork and using a multi-purpose grease to use to the caster stem bearings. Similarly, the foot plates can be changed by loosening up the bolt and then moving them to the wanted position. This allows the feet to sit easily on the footplate and avoids any pressure points from forming. This can be really uneasy for the user and if left ignored, can cause press sores.
Weight Capacity
Bariatric wheelchairs are designed to support more weight than basic wheelchairs. This makes them tougher and much better equipped to deal with falls. They are also normally bigger and broader, making them less maneuverable in tight areas than basic wheelchairs. They need cars with special ramps and lifts to load them, in addition to drivers who know how to finest transport them from one area to the next.
When selecting a wheelchair, consider its weight capacity as it will be the primary determining consider whether it will accommodate your traveler's requirements. The weight capacity of the chair is typically listed as a static load, indicating that it indicates the amount of weight the chair can conveniently hold while standing still. Nevertheless, some producers likewise note an active load that is based upon a drop test and can simulate the effect of someone sitting down in the chair. This might be a more dependable measurement of the weight limit, depending on your needs.
If you prepare to perform activities that shift your center of mass in the seat (such as grabbing things), 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 lubricated routinely to avoid excessive wear and abrasions. The lubrication treatment involves removing the fork, separating the caster from the wheel, and greasing the caster stem bearings with top quality multi-purpose grease.