Bariatric Wheelchair Seat Width
Seat Width
Having the right seat width is essential to wheelchair users who spend longer periods in their chairs. Too narrow a seat will cause pressure on the hips and thighs which could result in sores or pressure points. Having too wide a seat can also make it hard for the user to reach the hand rims to move themselves or maneuver in little spaces.
To determine the appropriate seat width a person would sit on a chair usually and have their measurement taken throughout their lap at the largest point which is generally their hips. A wheelchair measuring tape can be used to determine this, however a lawn stick is preferred as it prevents people from wrapping the tape around their hips which would offer an incorrect outcome.
The basic wheelchair seat width is 16" (narrow grownup), 18" (standard adult), and 20" (wide adult). For bariatric clients, a 24" seat is available. This durable additional wide bariatric wheelchair from Medline includes 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
Generally, the seat depth of a bariatric wheelchair was added 2" to the measurement taken at the user's largest point (normally their hips). This was meant to accommodate extra layers of clothes that might be worn during cold weather condition. Nevertheless, this practice is ending up being less common as wheelchair users have the ability to spend more time inside your home and are not wearing long coats. This makes the seat depth of a chair lesser when selecting a bariatric wheelchair. However, it is still important to pick an option that offers sufficient assistance for larger users.
The Medline folding additional broad bariatric manual wheelchair features a comfortable 24" seat width and a heavy-duty slide tube silver vein frame. It likewise has an adjustable axle and tool-free raising legrests.
bariatric wheelchair 600 lb capacity
When it comes to figuring out the right wheelchair seat width you need to constantly determine from the user's largest point which is generally their hips. You will likewise require to think about whether the user is going to be using a winter coat as this may include 2" to the width needed.
When a wheelchair is in use it need to only be operated on level surface areas with the wheel locks completely engaged. This is to avoid the chair from being able to move inclines that are 10 degrees or higher. It is also important to keep in mind that any activity that might shift the center of mass in the chair ought to be done with care. This consists of reaching for products that require the person to lean out of their seat or trying to stand up from it.
Whenever you have the chair in usage it is advised that you regularly examine it for damage and lube any areas that are considered required. For example, the casters need to be lubricated by getting rid of the caster fork and utilizing a multi-purpose grease to use to the caster stem bearings. Similarly, the foot plates can be adjusted by loosening the bolt and then moving them to the preferred position. This allows the feet to sit easily on the footplate and prevents any pressure points from forming. This can be very uneasy for the user and if left unattended, can result in push sores.
Weight Capacity
Bariatric wheelchairs are designed to support more weight than basic wheelchairs. This makes them tougher and better geared up to deal with falls. They are also usually larger and wider, making them less maneuverable in tight areas than basic wheelchairs. They need vehicles with special ramps and lifts to load them, as well as chauffeurs who know how to best transport them from one location to the next.
When picking a wheelchair, consider its weight capacity as it will be the main determining element in whether it will accommodate your guest's requirements. The weight capacity of the chair is often noted as a static load, implying that it shows the amount of weight the chair can comfortably hold while standing still. However, some manufacturers likewise list an active load that is based upon a drop test and can imitate the result of somebody sitting down in the chair. This might be a more trusted measurement of the weight limit, depending upon your needs.
If you prepare to perform activities that move your center of gravity in the seat (such as grabbing items), make certain to have front casters pointed in a forward instructions and wheel locks engaged so the chair will not tip over. Also, inspect that casters are lubricated frequently to prevent excessive wear and abrasions. The lubrication treatment involves removing the fork, separating the caster from the wheel, and greasing the caster stem bearings with high-quality multi-purpose grease.