Different Types of Wheel Chairs

9:18 pm RSS Feed Icon Eldercare

There are a lot of types of wheel chairs out there. Some may look familiar, while others just seem so bizarre. However, the variety in designs of wheel chairs is just natural, considering that different people need to do different things.

Wheel chairs empower people who have experienced some disability because of life. People, who are unable to walk, whether through the ravages of time or through accidents and incidents, make use of wheel chairs in order to make their lives a little easier.

Here are the different types of wheel chairs:

1. General -this type of wheel chair is the most common type of wheel chair in existence today. With a foldable metal frame and sling supports for the back and the seats, you most often see this type of wheel chairs in hospitals.

The design of this wheel chair has gradually improved over the years, becoming safer for use and more flexible to the needs of the passenger.

Variations on the wheels of this wheel chair also allow it to do just about anything and go anywhere. Useable either alone or with a friend, this wheel chair has proven to be one of the most versatile types of wheel chair around.

2. Self-propelled -this wheel chair is specifically designed to give the user independence. Self-propelled wheel chairs can be pushed by the rider themselves. This type of wheel chair makes use of large wheels in order for the user to reach them and push him/her along.

Some self-propelled wheelchairs even incorporate designs that allow the user to go up and down stairs and inclines unassisted.

Some people have developed designs of this type of wheelchair that incorporate features which enable just about any person with nearly any disability to propel him/herself.

This type of wheelchair is preferred by individuals with a strong sense of self. They feel that no accident should hinder their will to live and their independence.

3. Motorized -these wheel chairs are powered by motors and do not need the manual efforts of the user in order to move. This type of wheel chair is probably the most convenient for the users.

Although it does not really come with the sense of accomplishment that a manual wheelchair brings, it does have its advantages.

A motorized wheel chair, especially a very high-tech one, can gather people's admiration. Sometimes, a disabled person needs that boost of confidence more than the sense of accomplishment a manual wheelchair provides.

This type of wheelchair also helps conserve a person's energy. This allows the user to do more activities and be more active in his/her life.

Although the costs of a motorized wheel chair are obviously higher than manual wheel chairs, the new breakthroughs in technology may be worth it. Motorized wheel chairs are now more mobile and easier to use.

And people are always looking for convenience, right?

4. Sport wheel chairs -these wheel chairs are specifically designed to be used by people in playing their favorite sports.

Hey, just because you can't run doesn't mean you can't play, right?

These wheel chairs are made for three things: speed, sturdiness, and maneuverability.

Like a finely tuned car, these wheel chairs were made to compete.

The wheel chairs are customized to each person, making sure that the wheel chair does not hinder the person's athletic abilities.

And that, my friend, is empowerment.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justeldercare.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about wheel chairs.

Lift Chair-Need a Lift Getting Up? Who Doesn’t? Maybe a Lift Chair Is The Answer
Lift chair-is it getting difficult for you to get up after sitting in your favorite chair? If so, maybe you should consider purchasing a lift chair. L...

Abs Exercise Machines - Do You Really Need One?
Many people say that abs exercise machines are the quickest, easiest and best way to get six pack abs. In one sense they're right, but in another tota...

Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are a boon for disabled and old persons. The disabled person can move with electric mobility scooters in house compound, market and ...

Mobility Scooters - Who Needs One?
Mobility scooters have become a common way for the elderly and others with mobility issues to maintain there lifestyles with better ease. Weather you ...

LG U400 Mobile Phone Review
The LG U400 is one of the few mobile phones that is equipped with a scroll wheel. A scroll wheel allows you to easily navigate through MP3s, contacts...

How Does Care Giving Factor into Seasoned Relationships?
We are all noticing, either in our own relationships or in those near and dear to us, the downside of increased longevity. People may indeed be living...

Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Is Abs-olutely Fabulous
In the world of abdominal exercise equipment, not all are created equal. Some folks would argue that nothing beats good old fashioned sit-ups; you kno...

Leaders - Asleep at the Wheel
It is no mystery why so many leaders are asleep at the wheel. These days it is not uncommon for the best and the brightest to opt for opportunities t...

Electric Mobility Scooters for the Elderly and Disabled
There has been much advancement in the field of wheelchairs, specifically mobility wheelchairs. But now there is something even more versatile, mobili...

Assisted Living vs Nursing Homes
Assisted Living and Nursing Homes are two terms often used interchangeably, however this is a mistake. The two are actually very different, and a cand...

Discover If Smooth Fitness Elliptical Trainers Are Really Smooth Workout Machines Or Not
You may know Smooth Fitness elliptical trainers as one of the first elliptical machines to be available online. As the home gym trend grew over the pa...

Lift Chairs: Making Use of Technology in Taking Care of the Elderly
We all grow old. No one can deny that. No matter how much money you have, how good you have been, how much people respect you, the fact remains that w...

Inversion Tables Can Relieve Pain, Stress, And More
Only those who suffer from chronic back pain know how agonizing it is. For some patients traditional methods seem to work. But for others no treatment...

Mobility Scooters for Seniors
As a person gets older and gets afflicted with debilitating diseases, getting aroundrThe house becomes more and more difficult. If an elderly person i...

Rev Up Financially With Lower Equity Home Loan Mortgage Rate
Vroom! Vroom! Nestled in the driver's seat, you feel like you are at home in your favorite recliner. With a firm grip at 10:00 and 2:00 on the steerin...