The wheelchair is the most popular assistive device promoting mobility and enhancing the overall quality of life for aged people or individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities use wheelchairs to perform daily activities, access services effortlessly, and engage in usual social activities despite the disability issue. According to Physiopedia, besides providing mobility, an ideal wheelchair is beneficial to the overall physical and mental health of a disabled person. You can maintain the usual quality of life as a wheelchair will help reduce issues like the progression of deformities, pressure sores and enhance digestion and respiration. A wheelchair is of pivotal importance to the user as it makes a difference in the life of the user. Let us discuss who should use a wheelchair and when.
Disabled Persons
Many disabilities can lead to immobility. These disabilities are arthritis, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. People with disabilities depend on advanced mobility aids like wheelchairs or powerchairs to go about doing their everyday activities. Wheelchairs are the most popular, affordable, comfortable, and convenient mobility aid. Some of the frequently used wheelchairs are pediatric wheelchairs, bariatric wheelchairs, and motorized or powerchairs. Different kinds of wheelchairs are designed and manufactured for accommodating and managing diverse types of disabilities. You can custom-order a wheelchair to meet your unique requirements. Everyone can use wheelchairs whether disabled from a birth, accident, or old age.
People Recovering from Illness or Surgery
Rest is a vital factor in the recovery from an injury or ailment. Patients who underwent surgical procedures or had injury dressings should avoid exerting pressure on the affected area. You should avoid unnecessary pressure on these injured areas as it can end up prolonging the process. Doctors often advise partial bed rest for certain illnesses so that your body may recover quickly. A patient with mobility issues due to a surgical process should use a wheelchair for moving around while recovering from the surgery.
People with Acute Fatigue or Chronic Pain
Disability Friendly mobility aids are essential for people suffering fromchronic pain. Due to the severity of the pain, you tend to lose your ability to walk around. When you experience acute fatigue, you would demonstrate symptoms like dizziness, persistent tiredness, aching muscles, joint pain, and weak muscles. It is crucial to depend on a wheelchair for conserving energy.
Cases Where a Wheelchair Can Be Necessary
Issues with Crutches
Crutches are a cheaper alternative to wheelchairs, are easier to carry around, and have helped several people with mobility issues. However, they are not a great solution for everyone and are related to a variety of issues like shoulder and back pain, as well as underarm bruising. These issues tend to present themselves after extended periods of crutch use. If you are facing these issues, it is time to discuss with your healthcare provider whether switching to a wheelchair may be more beneficial.
Recurring Conditions
Patients suffering several conditions like acute fatigue, leg pains, and epilepsy tend to have periods where the symptoms do not present themselves, allowing them to return to their daily activities as normal. However, the symptoms frequently resurface, leaving them temporarily immobile. These relapses can be hard to deal with on your own, so having a wheelchair at hand can help you get around until the pain subsides.
Permanent Disability Diagnoses
Many disabilities start mild and do not require any mobility aids. Doctors may suggest you avoid running or brisk walking for a period or use a walker at most. However, the condition may become more serious over time, especially if it has not been treated properly or given adequate attention. If your muscles or joints have been badly affected, you may be left with a lifelong disability. In this case, a wheelchair will greatly aid mobility and lower the stress on your body.
Conclusion
Wheelchairs are manufactured with smart and advanced features to cater to all kinds of disabilities. People should work at making things easier for disabled people who use wheelchairs.