Skip to main content

Comfortable Wheelchair Travel

Being in a wheelchair all day can become very uncomfortable. And discomfort is the last thing you need when coping with the challenges that wheelchair life places before you. Being uncomfortable affects your ability to focus, concentrate and to function to the best possible level. This is bad enough at home or work, but it can be much worse while traveling. Whatever be the distance you need to go or the reason for the trip, being comfortable and secure will enhance your ability to function at your destination. When compared to what was available a century ago, the modern wheelchair is very flexible and comfortable. That does not mean that it cannot be made more user-friendly. Every person’s physique is different so what suits one user may not work for another. That is why using the right accessories is so important in making your wheelchair more comfortable.

Image Courtesy: Pixabay

  • Lumbar Support: Lower back pain is a very common problem for wheelchair users. The most common cause is the lack of proper lumbar support. If a small rolled-up towel placed at the bottom of the backrest does not help, you can buy special lumbar support attachments.
  • Adjust The Backrest: Sitting bolt upright for any length of time can result in a tendency to lean forward which could affect your balance and make the wheelchair unstable. Most chairs have adjustable backrests– try reclining the back a few degrees and see if that does not make you more comfortable.
  • Comfortable Armrests: Hard armrests can cause painful forearms and sore elbows. You can either fix some foam to them to create padding that will make them more comfortable or buy padded armrests.
  • A Cushioned Seat: A hard or otherwise uncomfortable seat not only makes using the wheelchair for any length of time painful, but it can also lead to back and other posture-related problems. Using a cushion to make the seating more comfortable will usually resolve this. Consider using a ROHO cushion that is made up of a number of inflated nodes which adapt to the way you sit in the chair.
  • Adjust The Footrests: Back pain could be caused by improperly adjusted footrests which keep your knees too high. This causes a downward force to be placed on the thighs which then transfers to the back, causing the pain. Adjust the footrests so that the knees are only marginally higher than your hips. That will keep the pressure off.
Check with a wheelchair users’ group for more tips on how to be comfortable when traveling.

No matter how comfortable you make your wheelchair, traveling can still be a major hassle if the right form of transportation is not used. If you are traveling long distance you can check with airlines about the facilities available to you. Short road trips are another matter. Getting in and out of regular taxis is a problem. Public transport is not a viable option. However, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is the solution to your road travel needs. A NEMT service will have special vehicles for wheelchair users so entry and exit is hassle-free. The drivers are trained in transporting those with mobility issues. With doorstep pick and event standby, a good NEMT company will solve all your transportation problems.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Transport a Bedridden Person

Transporting a bedridden person is difficult. However, there are various technologies and facilities that have made transportation easy. Here is how to move a bedridden person: Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Company There are numerous non-emergency medical transportation providers in almost all cities of America. A lot of hospitals or doctors may have a preferred service that they may recommend if you do not have any preference. Also, in certain states, the hospital may help book a van for you. However, it is also easy to choose a company on your own. Search for a non-emergency medical transport online or on a phone directory. In case you do not know which one to select, you can ask your family, friends or even the hospital to recommend. Read also: Don’t Ignore Check-Ups that are Due During COVID-19 Another way to assist you in narrowing your choices is to ask the service provider about the prices. Those companies that offer extremely cheap or exorbitant prices should be dis
Post a Comment
Read more

Making Everyday Life Easier with Proper Wheelchairs

  In case you are suffering from a health issue or personal injury that constrains your capability to move, you can attain independence with the help of a wheelchair that will suit your needs. Some of the important elements you can take into account when choosing a wheelchair are the type of surface and the several climate conditions you may have to handle. You could also get wheelchair ramps, add-ons, and lifts that can make living easier, especially if you have to utilize a wheelchair long-term or temporarily. Manual Wheelchairs Are Easy to Handle and Lightweight Manual wheelchairs are the best for those who can propel the machine with their arms. This is the most cost-effective option with no recharge and batteries. Moreover, since it is extremely lightweight, it can be transported easily. 1.Most standard manual wheelchairs have a fixed footrest and armrest. However, the footrests can easily be moved up or down. 2. Detachable manual wheelchairs offer a removable footrest and armrest
Post a Comment
Read more

Transportation Options for the Elderly

When a person is no longer able to drive, the effect of the loss of mobility and freedom can be devastating. In the cases of the elderly, who may have been driving for half a century or more, the loss is often traumatic. The loss of freedom to access and participate in those activities that have been a staple of life for decades can result in stress, depression and a range of other problems, both physical and mental. The effect that this loss of mobility has, is often not noticed by friends and loved ones because the elderly are frequently too stubborn or proud to let others know how it affects them. Hiding the impact and bottling it up inside only makes the problem worse and the depression continues to grow unseen, often till it reaches a breaking point. A frequently asked question is - why can’t the elderly use other forms of transport? Image Courtesy: Pexels The Other Options Public transport would appear to be an option. However, for many seniors, a bus or subway journey is
Post a Comment
Read more