For many elderly people, wheelchairs are a convenient tool for them to travel. People with mobility problems, stroke and paralysis need to use wheelchairs. So what should the elderly pay attention to when purchasing wheelchairs? First of all, the choice of wheelchair certainly cannot choose those inferior brands, quality is always the first; Secondly, when choosing a wheelchair, you should pay attention to the comfort level. Cushion, wheelchair armrest, pedal height, etc. are all issues that need attention. Let's take a look at the details.
It is good for the elderly to choose a suitable wheelchair, so the elderly should refer to the following aspects when choosing a wheelchair:
1. How to choose wheelchairs for the elderly
(1) Foot pedal height
The pedal shall be at least 5cm above the ground. If it is a footrest that can be adjusted up and down, it is better to adjust the footrest until the elderly sit down and the 4cm of the front bottom of the thigh does not touch the seat cushion.
(2) Handrail height
The height of the armrest should be 90 degrees flexion of the elbow joint after the elderly sit down, and then add 2.5 cm upward.
The armrests are too high, and the shoulders are easy to fatigue. When pushing the wheelchair, it is easy to cause upper arm skin abrasion. If the armrest is too low, pushing the wheelchair may cause the upper arm to tilt forward, causing the body to tilt out of the wheelchair. Operating a wheelchair in a forward leaning position for a long time may lead to deformation of the spine, compression of the chest, and dyspnea.
(3) Cushion
In order to make the elderly feel comfortable when sitting in a wheelchair and prevent bedsores, it is best to put a cushion on the seat of the wheelchair, which can disperse the pressure on the buttocks. Common cushions include foam rubber and air cushions. In addition, pay more attention to the air permeability of the cushion and wash it frequently to effectively prevent bedsores.
(4) Width
Sitting in a wheelchair is like wearing clothes. You must determine the size that fits you. Proper size can make all parts evenly stressed. It is not only comfortable, but also can prevent adverse consequences, such as secondary injuries.
When the elderly are sitting in a wheelchair, there should be a gap of 2.5 to 4 cm between the two sides of the hip and the two inner surfaces of the wheelchair. The elderly who are too broad need to stretch their hands to push the wheelchair, which is not conducive to the elderly to use, and their body cannot maintain balance, and they cannot pass through a narrow channel. When the old man is resting, his hands cannot be comfortably placed on the armrests. Too narrow will wear the skin on the hips and outside of the thighs of the elderly, and it is not conducive to the elderly getting on and off the wheelchair.
(5) Height
Generally, the upper edge of the backrest should be about 10 cm away from the armpit of the elderly, but it should be determined according to the functional state of the elderly' s trunk. The higher the backrest is, the more stable the elderly will be when sitting; The lower the backrest, the more convenient the movement of the trunk and both upper limbs. Therefore, only the elderly with good balance and light activity obstacle can choose the wheelchair with low back. On the contrary, the higher the backrest and the larger the supporting surface, it will affect physical activity.
(6) Function
Wheelchairs are usually classified into ordinary wheelchairs, high back wheelchairs, nursing wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs for competitions and other functions. Therefore, first of all, auxiliary functions should be selected according to the nature and extent of the elderly' s disability, general functional conditions, places of use, etc.
The high back wheelchair is generally used for the elderly with postural hypotension who cannot maintain a 90 degree sitting posture. After the orthostatic hypotension is relieved, the wheelchair should be replaced as early as possible so that the elderly can drive the wheelchair by themselves.
The elderly with normal upper limb function can choose the wheelchair with pneumatic tires in the ordinary wheelchair.
Wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs equipped with friction resistance handwheels can be selected for those whose upper limbs and hands have poor functions and cannot drive ordinary wheelchairs; If the elderly have poor hand function and mental disorders, they can choose a portable nursing wheelchair, which can be pushed by others.
1. Which elderly people need wheelchair
(1) Elderly people with a clear mind and sensitive hands can consider using an electric wheelchair, which is the most convenient way to travel.
(2) Elderly people with poor blood circulation due to diabetes or who have to sit in wheelchairs for a long time have a high risk of bed sores. It is necessary to add an air cushion or latex cushion to the seat to disperse the pressure, so as to avoid pain or stuffy feeling when sitting for a long time.
(3) Not only people with no mobility need to sit in a wheelchair, but some stroke patients have no problem standing up, but their balance function is impaired, and they are prone to fall when they lift their feet and walk. In order to avoid falls, fractures, head trauma and other injuries, it is recommended to also sit in a wheelchair .
(4) Although some elderly people can walk, they can’t walk far due to joint pain, hemiplegia, or physical weakness, so they struggle to walk and are out of breath. At this time, don’t be disobedient and refuse to sit in a wheelchair.
(5). The reaction of the elderly is not as sensitive as that of the young, and the hand control ability is also weak. Experts suggest that it is best to use a manual wheelchair instead of an electric wheelchair. If the elderly can no longer stand, it is best to choose a wheelchair with detachable armrests. The caregiver no longer needs to pick up the elderly, but can move from the side of the wheelchair to reduce the burden.
Post time: Dec-23-2022
