All too often, we tend to point out the differences between the various nations around the world. In actuality, we have more in common than we think. Of course, we’re all human beings. As a result, we all have the same basic needs. For example, a fact for everyone is that, as we age, our strength diminishes. No matter where you are on Earth, if you’re a senior, you may need the assistance of a mobility device.
Are you a wheelchair user? Let’s discuss how to best keep your mobility solution in tip-top shape with some tips from around the world!
Service your wheelchair regularly.
It’s all about consistency. Just like your car or truck, it’s important to give your wheelchair regular maintenance checkups. By getting your wheelchair regularly maintained, you will reduce breakdowns and therefore, costs for repairs and replacement. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect all of the components of your wheelchair to ensure they are in good working order.
According to Australia’s Patient Handling, “it is recommended that your service your wheelchair every 6-12 months depending on how frequently you use it. To get a professional service will help maintain the life of your wheelchair. Tips, if you are planning a trip, it is worth getting your wheelchair serviced before taking your wheelchair on holidays or a long trip.”
Inspect the brakes.
It should probably go without saying that the brakes are among the most important elements of your wheelchair. Naturally, the brakes are designed to hold your wheelchair in a safe stationary position. Also often referred to as wheelchair wheel locks, wheelchair brakes are vital to the safety of the wheelchair user. They keep the wheelchair still when the user is engaged in a task, preventing undesired movement.
“Braking efficiency can be impaired by few factors like i) poor placement or incorrectly adjusted part; ii) low tire pressure; iii) wet tires,” explains Singapore’s DNR Wheels, “Check these points to confirm that your brakes are working properly.”
Inspect the front wheels.
A wheelchair’s front wheels are also known as casters. They are the steering wheels of the device. They should be regularly inspected for wear, cracks, looseness, bulges and tears. Check to see that the front wheels of the wheelchair are evenly touching the floor when on a flat surface. If one of the wheels isn’t touching the floor while on level ground, it should be repaired.
“A wheelchair’s front wheels are very important and should be checked as part of any proper maintenance procedure, paying attention to their fit and functionality,” says Germany’s Sunrise Medical, “One of the most common problems is that the wheelchair does not move fluidly or that it moves slightly to the left or to the right. To avoid this, check that the play and angle of the wheel are adjusted enough so that both front wheels touch the ground and can rotate freely.”
To learn all about the wheelchairs offered by LifeCare Mobility, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!