Agree with Bin on checking out the handle height etc, but bear in mind when pushing up inclines you are not standing so upright.
Check the rubbery handle grips are securely fixed - one of my mum's chairs had a grip that swung round slightly as you went along putting the grip in the wrong place and making my hand sore. Every time I straightened it it slowly slid round again!
The kickbar on the back for tiping up - some are stupidly short and awkward, I recommend checking how easy it is to tip safely and comfortably with someone sitting in the chair not just empty.
Have whoever is going to push her have a practice go at manouvering - things like tipping up kerbs look easier than they actually are, so a little technique practice first makes it a smoother ride which will make her feel more secure.
Chairs designed for pushing rather than self propulsion have smaller wheels rather than the large central wheel with side rail grips on it. These wheels are often wider so may be more suitable for the cobbled surfaces?
If you may be going through narrow gaps then chairs without the big side wheel with rails are narrower. If she will not self-propel then you don't need them.
I think there is no substitute for trying it out personally - I would recommend trying shop mobility as she can try manual chairs with and without self propelling wheels to see if she will want to have the facility to self propel (she can also test electric ones which really are very good). My mum has a manual chair which she cannot self-propel and wishes she could (she ends up trying to tip-toe it along!).
Our top tip on self-propelling wheelchairs - some models need the arm removing so she can reach the wheel comfortably. My mum's first wheelchair was like this and we never realised, so she gave up as she could not get a comfortable hold which she could put enough power into on the rail round the wheel.
Remember travelling in a wheelchair is colder than walking - she may need a warm cape which is smart, as my Mum had vanity issues with blankets being for grannies. Also a sheepskin seat pad is comfy and warming.
Some advice on testing out the one she gets (a try before you buy or travel):
Check the brakes actually stop the chair properly - sometimes they are not fitting right so you can drift - if one wheel drifts it is very disconcerting.
Check the brakes do not stick after they have been put on.
check you can use the kickbar comfortably (we had one which was ridiculously small).
Check how she is comfortable going up slopes etc - my mum is terrified of falling out (wheelchairs can be very disconcerting in that respect) so prefers to go up some inclines and kerbs backwards.
Lots of warm best wishes - I tore my hair out hiring an electric chair for my wedding for my Mum to use so I empathise very much and really hope it all works out well.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-01-28 10:17 pm (UTC)Agree with Bin on checking out the handle height etc, but bear in mind when pushing up inclines you are not standing so upright.
Check the rubbery handle grips are securely fixed - one of my mum's chairs had a grip that swung round slightly as you went along putting the grip in the wrong place and making my hand sore. Every time I straightened it it slowly slid round again!
The kickbar on the back for tiping up - some are stupidly short and awkward, I recommend checking how easy it is to tip safely and comfortably with someone sitting in the chair not just empty.
Have whoever is going to push her have a practice go at manouvering - things like tipping up kerbs look easier than they actually are, so a little technique practice first makes it a smoother ride which will make her feel more secure.
Chairs designed for pushing rather than self propulsion have smaller wheels rather than the large central wheel with side rail grips on it. These wheels are often wider so may be more suitable for the cobbled surfaces?
If you may be going through narrow gaps then chairs without the big side wheel with rails are narrower. If she will not self-propel then you don't need them.
I think there is no substitute for trying it out personally - I would recommend trying shop mobility as she can try manual chairs with and without self propelling wheels to see if she will want to have the facility to self propel (she can also test electric ones which really are very good). My mum has a manual chair which she cannot self-propel and wishes she could (she ends up trying to tip-toe it along!).
Our top tip on self-propelling wheelchairs - some models need the arm removing so she can reach the wheel comfortably. My mum's first wheelchair was like this and we never realised, so she gave up as she could not get a comfortable hold which she could put enough power into on the rail round the wheel.
Remember travelling in a wheelchair is colder than walking - she may need a warm cape which is smart, as my Mum had vanity issues with blankets being for grannies. Also a sheepskin seat pad is comfy and warming.
Some advice on testing out the one she gets (a try before you buy or travel):
Check the brakes actually stop the chair properly - sometimes they are not fitting right so you can drift - if one wheel drifts it is very disconcerting.
Check the brakes do not stick after they have been put on.
check you can use the kickbar comfortably (we had one which was ridiculously small).
Check how she is comfortable going up slopes etc - my mum is terrified of falling out (wheelchairs can be very disconcerting in that respect) so prefers to go up some inclines and kerbs backwards.
Lots of warm best wishes - I tore my hair out hiring an electric chair for my wedding for my Mum to use so I empathise very much and really hope it all works out well.