20 July 2020
Finding the right accessories for your wheelchair can make a world of difference to your comfort and support.
Whether you need to protect your hands while self-propelling or make your seat more comfortable when in transit, there’s a huge variety of wheelchair accessories that can help you prepare for the everyday when using your wheelchair at home or outdoors.
The right wheelchair cushion can be invaluable for giving you more support when seated in your wheelchair, but you need to consider your individual circumstances to choose the right one for your needs – including how often you use your wheelchair and the level of pressure care support you require.
Wheelchair cushions are commonly made in a foam material and are designed to offer varying levels of pressure care support. For general purpose or everyday use, the memory foam wheelchair cushion can offer basic support if you have a low risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Whether it’s for comfort or pressure relief, wheelchair cushions are invaluable wheelchair accessories that often become necessities. Make sure to check that the size, style and material of the cushion is suitable for your personal requirements before purchasing.
If you are at risk of pressure ulcers, it is vital to have an assessment with a health profession specialising in pressure care management for the best advice and care.
When it’s raining, or the temperature drops outside, you’ll want to keep yourself warm and dry. Whilst blankets and standards coats can suffice, there’s a whole range of wheelchair clothing available to protect both you and your wheelchair, without material getting caught in the wheels.
The Wheelchair Mac is great for the rainy summer season, as it is lightweight and 100% waterproof to keep you dry in the British showers. With a zip fastening and the ability to seal around you, it reduces the chance of hanging material getting caught in the wheels and causing a potential accident.
You can also find fleece lined macs, as well as well as wheelchair cosies, available in a range of sizes and colours.
If you’re a self-propelled wheelchair user, you’ll need to use your hands to manoeuvre your wheelchair. It’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort over time, whether through blisters caused by repetitive movements, or from other external factors such as weather conditions and temperature.
Finding a pair of well-fitting wheelchair gloves can offer improved comfort and help to reduce injury or pain. A good pair of wheelchair gloves should enable flexibility in the hand, allowing your skin to breathe while promoting good grip and comfort. Make sure you consider the different styles available, including the material, size and fastenings, to ensure they best suit your requirements.
Getting out and about in a wheelchair can become tricky when faced with kerbs or steps that don't have an accessible alternative. Getting a wheelchair ramp can help alleviate some of that stress. Ramps like the Aerolight-Travel Kerb Ramp and the Mobility Care Roll-up Portable Ramp can be carried around with you to use with small steps and kerbs as needed. Some come with carry bags to make it even easier to keep them with you so they're ready when you need them.
There are many different wheelchair accessories out there, but not all of them are designed for when you’re using your wheelchair. Wheelchair accessories, such as the double leg lifter, help to make transfers onto your chair easier and can be easily draped over the back rest or on the arm rests so you have easy access once you’ve moved onto the wheelchair seat. A leg lifter is ideal if you find it difficult to lean down and lift a stiff or immobile leg onto the foot plate.
Why not take a look at our full selection of wheelchair accessories to find out more about the types of products that can help to improve your everyday comfort.
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