What Healthcare Products are Beneficial for Wheelchair Users to Invest In?

There are a variety of healthcare products on the market designed for wheelchair users. Improvements in technology and healthcare have significantly increased the product options. However, having a large amount of options can get overwhelming, especially if you have only been using a wheelchair for a short amount of time. Before you start looking through hundreds of options, think about your goals for the products. Do you want to find products that can improve your comfort level while in your wheelchair? Are you looking for products that can increase your independence? If you answered yes to either question, keep reading for some suggested products that can aid in your comfort and independence as a wheelchair user.

1. Comfort

The most obvious place to start when talking about your comfort level is with the wheelchair. It is important that you have a chair that is the right fit for you. If you have had the same chair for a while, it may be time to get it looked at and to make sure it is still the best choice.

There are some products you can add to your wheelchair to increase your comfort level. Cushions can be added to several areas of the chair to make it more comfortable. You can add cushions to the back of your wheelchair, to the seat, and to the armrest. In addition, you can purchase cushions that provide lateral side support if balance and torso strength are an issue.

If you want the top of the line in comfort, consider having custom seating made for your wheelchair. There are companies that use technology to help them determine your pressure points and design custom seating to provide you with the highest level of relief and comfort.  

2. Independence

As a wheelchair user, there are some areas of your life where you must depend on others for help. But, there are healthcare products on the market that can significantly increase your independence. For example, a transfer board is a relatively small and simple item that can help you get in and out of bed, the car, and other chairs without assistance from others. Many transfer boards are small enough to be carried with you at all times and can be used in a variety of situations.

Getting dressed and using the restroom are both areas where you likely want increased independence. Pulling up your own pants can be quite a challenge when you are a wheelchair user. Pants Up Easy is a product that can help you pull your pants up easily and safely while getting dressed or after using the restroom. It is designed to allow you to lift yourself up while keeping your hands free to pull up your pants.

A high quality shower chair is another healthcare product that can provide some wheelchair users with a higher level of independence. There are transfer boards available that can be used to move between a wheelchair and shower chair. A well designed shower chair can provide you with the support you need to shower independently and then return to your wheelchair.

Keep in mind that your safety is always the top concern when it comes to healthcare products that can aid in comfort and independence. Collaborate with your healthcare providers to determine which of these products will provide the most benefits in your situation.