Staying Mobile With a Power Wheelchair Or Scooter Despite Immobility
Posted: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
by Chris Ibe
Mobilitywheels
When immobility is a part of life, mobility remains an option with the use of power wheelchairs and scooters. Just because illness or injury has left the body unable to maintain mobility does not mean that movement needs to be restricted. Power wheelchairs and scooters are there to bring movement back where motion has ceased.
There are three products available for a person with decreased mobility - power wheelchairs, scooters and traditional wheelchairs. Each provides a different level of movement and mobility for the immobile user. With the help of a family physician or a physical or occupational therapist, the patient will be able to choose which type of mobility device is the best option for them. General questions for choosing the right power wheelchair, scooter or traditional wheelchair include:
* How far can you walk before needing assistance?
* Will your condition deteriorate over time?
* Will you be able to easily get into and out of the different devices?
* Is there sufficient strength in the upper body to self propel a traditional wheelchair?
Once these questions are answered, choosing which mobility device is best for your condition will be far easier. For instance, if there is enough upper body strength to move a traditional wheelchair, this option may be the most effective and the most economical. On the other hand, if you feel your condition may worsen over time, the power wheelchair may prove to be a long term investment well worth the extra money spent. If walking for short distances is plausible, but longer distances are more difficult, the scooter can provide just enough support to keep mobility in the picture. A power wheelchair or scooter is a good alternative for enjoying in the summer. It can help you travel, visit friends, mall and play with your grandchildren.
The main thing to remember when choosing the correct mobility device is the term mobility. No physical condition should be allowed to inhibit mobility to the point where movement is lost. Any individual and all individuals have the right to continue living life with the freedom allowed with movement and that is why mobility devices like power wheelchairs, scooters and Traditional Wheelchairs are so important to clients.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Chris,Very helpful and informative write. Thanks for sharing it with us.Thank you for taking the time to read my article.
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