Try: Wheel camber is applied to the rear wheels of a wheelchair it can be described as an angling that brings the top of the wheels closer to each other athletes who wished to improve wheelchair-handling characteristics and stability first introduced camber into wheelchairs the amount of camber introduced into the wheels is measured in degrees the higher the number the more camber or angling there is some wheelchairs have methods of adjusting the camber while others do not camber adjustment is most often accomplished by inserting a different camber bar that alters the angle or by adjusting the axle plate for increased camber wheelchairs with fixed camber do not allow for altering the angle in these cases the camber angle may be specified when the wheelchair is ordered except in the case of low end cheeseball wheelchairs as camber is increased the width of the wheelchair across the bottom increases this adds lateral stability to the system by increasing the wheelchairs footprint if too much camber is added there may be a problem getting through doorways information references "manual wheelchaur help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Wheelchair pushing wheelchair

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: A mobility scooter is a mobility aid similar to a power wheelchair but configured like a motor scooter it is often referred to as a power-operated vehicle scooter or electric scooter as well a mobility scooter has a seat over two rear wheels a flat area for the feet and handlebars in front to turn one or two steerable wheels the seat may swivel to allow access when the front is blocked by the handlebars mobility scooters are usually electric-powered a battery or two is stored onboard the scooter and is charged via an onboard or separate charger unit from standard electric outlets gasoline-powered mobility scooters are also available though they are rapidly being replaced by electric models the tiller with forward reverse directions and speed controls is the steering column centrally located at the front of the mobility scooter direction can be controlled by thumb paddles finger controls or a switch there are two types of mobility scooters front-wheel drive fd or rear-wheel drive rd the fd is usually a smaller device and best used indoors rider weight capacity is generally upwards to 250 pounds maximum the rd mobility scooter is used both indoors and outdoors with rider weight capacity of 350 pounds a heavy duty rd mobility scooter is capable of carrying up to 500 pounds varying by manufacturer the first mobility scooter the amigo was built in 1968 by allan r thieme in bridgeport michigan this front-wheel drive model was built specifically to assist a family member with multiple sclerosis regain their independent mobility mobility scooters are now available in a wide range of models from tiny folding travel mobility scooters to heavy-duty bariatric mobility scooters mobility scooters are commonly available for loaner use at public facilities such as amusement parks or grocery stores mobility scooter advantages assistive and small sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world a mobility scooter is useful for persons without the stamina or arm shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair also swiveling the seat of a mobility scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional manual wheelchairs a mobility scooter is very helpful for persons with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions coronary or lung issues some forms of arthritis etc who are still able to stand and walk a few steps sit upright without torso support and control the steering tiller a main selling point of the mobility scooter is that it does not look like a manual wheelchair which many people see as a sign of old age however as increasing numbers of elderly persons choose mobility scooters the scooter is now developing its own reputation at least among the able-bodied as a geriatric item mobility scooters are generally more affordable than power wheelchairs and often easier to obtain from insurers or health care agencies mobility scooter limitations while a mobility scooter eliminates much of the manual strength problems of a manual wheelchair its tiller steering mechanism still requires upright posture shoulder and hand strength and some upper-body mobility and strength other drawbacks of mobility scooters are their longer length which limits their turning radius and ability to use some lifts or manual wheelchair-designed access technologies such as kneeling bus lifts it can also make it difficult to navigate nursing home rooms where space is often limited mobility scooters also have fewer options for body support such as head or leg rests they are rarely designed for ease of patient transfer from seat to bed these limitations may prevent some disabled individuals from using mobility scooters in addition mobility scooter limitations may vary depending on model and manufacturer a limitation of one make model does not necessarily carry over to all individual needs may affect the suitability of a particular model information references "mobility scooter help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Mobility scooter mobility aides getting around the home

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: The powered wheelchair controller and its associated modules and components serve as the command center for use of the wheelchair and its functions there are two types of commonly used controllers found on wheelchairs today integral controllers and modular controllers integral controllers contain all of the necessary components in one housing with the joystick modular controllers have separate components for the various functions and wheelchair controlling elements both will include a joystick or some type of user interface as part of the system some wheelchair models especially the less sophisticated or less costly ones allow no choice of controllers and come standard with an integral controller the integral controller is used for basic mobility applications when no additional or special control features are anticipated a user who can be expected to have little or no change in functional status over a long period of time and whose powered wheelchair requires no special or sophisticated features would be a good candidate for this type of control the technically higher end wheelchairs will sometimes offer a wide array of controller components and configurations this is done to allow and accommodate the use of different types of controls and interfaces it allows for mixing and matching of components to accommodate such function enhancers as sip and puff controls specialty switches powered seating systems and even external devices such as environmental control units or communication devices for example the use of a sip and puff head array system or chin control would be difficult or impossible to interface with most integral controller systems since these systems can not accommodate them the electronics do not allow for interfacing or communicating with these devices with a modular system the item can be added to the wheelchair as long as the appropriate interface module is also added or is already onboard the primary and the most important trade off on these systems is flexibility if flexibility in functional control of the wheelchair features is required or anticipated then the modular system is the way to go if not the integral system should work well advantages integral is less costly integral is simpler and easier to deal with modular is more flexible and allows greater latitude in choosing the types of interfaces and controls devices such as environmental control units and communication systems can be operated through a modular system various types of driving controls such as head array sip & puff touch pad and chin controls can be added with a modular system with a modular system if user function or ability changes the existing system can be modified or added to without replacing the entire wheelchair disadvantages integral is less flexible and cannot easily be expanded on integral control is much larger integral is to large to center or offset mount on the wheelchair modular is more expensive modular requires experience or training to setup when adding features modular systems may require components and interfaces from multiple aftermarket sources to achieve the desired result components for a modular system must be compatible with existing electronics many compatibility issues may arise when setting up a complex integrated system modular controllers increase the wheelchairs level of complexity information references "wheelchair controllers help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Power wheelchairs wheelchair controllers internal controllers modular control system mobility aides getting around the home

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: High pressure tires also referred to as primos clinchers and court tires are narrower than the everyday pneumatic tire the tread pattern is minimal and not as deep as an everyday pneumatic while the shrader type air valve is the most commonly used valve in the united states a number of the high pressure tires use the presta valve which originated in europe a converter is required so that they can be filled from a conventional pump with a shrader type fitting high pressure tires require greater inflation 90 – 110 psi as opposed to 65psi for the everyday tire many of the manufacturers anticipate these tires being used with increased wheel camber and have designed the tread to be off center so as to maintain surface contact advantages this type of tire is narrower than an everyday tire which decreases contact area with the floor smaller footprint the treads are fewer and shallower which decreases rolling resistance this results in the chair becoming easier to push and rolling further per push high pressure tires are commonly lighter than the standard pneumatics many users prefer to trade off the softer ride of a conventional pneumatic for the improved push-ability of the high pressure ones favored by athletes for performance reasons disadvantages the small volume of air at higher pressure does not afford as much shock absorption thus it makes for a harder ride than a conventional pneumatic tire the smaller footprint of the tire may also result in diminished traction on wet or slippery surfaces smaller shallower treads tend to wear out quicker than a conventional pneumatic when used for street use may require a valve converter for inflation information references "manual wheelchaur help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Wheelchair weak arms arm muscles pushing wheelchair

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Lateral trunk supports are also known as laterals lateral supports lateral thoracic supports and trunk stabilizers they are rectangular or square shaped devices that mount to the back posts of the wheelchair and rest against the user user’s trunk most often they are used in pairs one on each side of the trunk laterals come in a number of different sizes and padding densities size and shape will vary depending on manufacturer and style the most common styles are planar flat or contoured shaped the amount of contouring may also vary between styles and manufacturers many models can be ordered with hardware that allows the lateral to swing away from the user and out of the way this makes getting in and out of the chair much easier laterals are available from the wheelchair manufacturer or can be purchased from a number of aftermarket sources these positioning accessories are most often used to increase the user user’s trunk stability and balance they can also serve as a tactile reminder when the user comes in contact with the device they know that they are out of position and can adjust their position or request assistance laterals are sometimes used in an effort to control spinal scoliosis s curve of the spine this tactic may work in those cases were the scoliosis is flexible and can easily be reduced in cases where the scoliosis is rigid laterals may cause discomfort and tissue damage wounds this is especially true if the lateral is placed on the apex high point of the spinal curvature that brings us nicely to the issue of placement if the trunk can be placed in an upright neutral sitting position but the user can not maintain this position then the laterals can be placed opposite each other on each side of the trunk this will add the needed external support to hold the user in position many users and professionals think that the laterals have to be placed exactly opposite each other on the trunk this is not true and in certain cases may result in poor outcomes and in discomfort to the user in those cases where you are dealing with a spinal curvature you need to consider uneven or oblique placement of the laterals one lateral should be placed just under the apex of the spinal curve the second lateral should be placed on the opposite side of the trunk and above the opposing one this will set up the proper dynamics for reducing the curve if flexible and supporting the trunk in order to work well these devices must make contact with the trunk if they do not make contact with the user there will be no support if they are too tight the user may have a problem with breathing if they are placed too low support is lost and the trunk may lean over the laterals if placed too high they may impinge on the axilla armpit and cause damage to the brachial plexus irritate the surrounding skin and restrict shoulder and arm movement benefits of these devices aids in trunk support and stability improves balance and posture helps maintain the user in a functional position prevents further postural decay diminishes the need for repetitive repositioning of the user during the day improves appearance information references "manual wheelchaur help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Wheelchair trunk support poor wheelchair positioning poor posture in wheelchair poor balance in wheelchair

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: The person has no control left over bladder and bowel the toilet is not used anymore to urinate causes brain damage dementia damages in the spinal core or other deficiencies in the bladder and or the bowel information references "incontinence help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Incontinence bladder urine wets pants leaky pipes

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Lift chairs are chairs designed to help a person to gently move from sitting reclining or standing position with the push of a button on a convenient hand control lift chairs are particularly helpful for the elderly those that suffer from motor diseases or from those that have been injured and require temporary assistance lift chairs are empowering to the user as they give them the freedom to move around as they like while improving safety and reducing strain as well as the chance for a possible injury lift chairs come in a wide variety of styles and colors as well as fabric choices some are available in leather as well they are also frequently referred to as chair lifts or seat lifts most lift chairs operate via a simple hand control that allows the user to determine the amount of lift and slowly and safely return the chair to a standing or sitting position information references "lift chair help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Lift chair weak knees weak leg muscles trouble getting out of chair

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Lift chairs come in a wide variety of styles and colors as well as fabric choices below are some questions to ask to help choose the right chair what size is your room what size are you height weight width what is your disability how much time will you spend in the lift chair daily do you need two three or infinite positioning do you require heat and massage from your lift chair do you prefer fabric or levante vinyl with your lift chair which fabric or levante vinyl will match your room information references "lift chair help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Lift chair weak knees weak leg muscles trouble getting out of chair

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Clothes guards come in a variety of materials including solid plastic fiber or cloth the device is shaped like a quarter of a circle and is situated between the wheelchair user and the rear wheels the rigid models require extra mounting hardware that is attached to the chair this device is used primarily on manual wheelchairs advantages of using clothes guards keeps clothes from rubbing against the rear wheels of the chair acts as a barrier and protects user from debris tossed up by the wheels aids in pelvic containment when no arms are being used on a wheelchair cloth models will fold tight when a folding wheelchair is folded disadvantages of using clothes guards adds weight to the chair may have to be removed to facilitate transfers may have to be removed when folding a wheelchair requires mounting hardware to be installed on chair if rigid models are added to a chair whose seat width is small for the user they may cause pressure against the trochanters hips may not allow wheelchair to fold tight will not work with conventional single or dual post arm rests commonly used with no arm rests or tubular arms information references "manual wheelchaur help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Folding wheelchair wheelchair clothes guard wheelchair safety

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: A legrest which can be elevated placing the leg in an extended knee straight position most have some type of calf pad which may be padded or hard footplate and calf pad can be readjusted for improved alignment and placement some have an articulating feature which allows the legrest to be extended and become longer as the rest is elevated this item is most commonly ordered for edema swelling control advantages of elevating legrests maintains the leg in an extended position this works well for those users who have limited knee flexion knee is fixed in a straight position or for those who require this position post operatively on a chair with a powered recline system powered elevating legrests are useful in helping a user obtain a supine laying on back or reclined position independently the ability to change leg position is sometimes helpful in resolving discomfort or pain issues in the lower extremities disadvantages of elevating legrests elevating legrests will add a considerable amount of weight to the wheelchair they have a number of moving parts that may lock up or become difficult to deal with it requires a certain amount of coordination and strength to work this item independently the user must bend over to one side depress a lever and lift the leg and device weight all at once the extent of edema swelling control is questionable in the most elevated position the extremity is nowhere near the level of the user user’s heart depending on the length of the legrest elevating the leg may result in flexing the knee when the legrest is elevated it makes the chair longer resulting in the need for increased turning space after a period of time the legrest hanger attachments become warped or worn from the weight of supporting the legs and the legrests take on an abducted away from each other position when loaded this results in poor positioning of the legs and hips legrest pads may push against the user user’s calfs and pull the user forward on the seat resulting in a sacral sitting slouched posture the joint at the highest point of the legrest may rub on the outside of the user user’s leg elevating legrests increase the cost of the wheelchair the legrest may make your nice wheelchair suddenly look bad information references "manual wheelchaur help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Wheelchair leg pain changing leg positions reclining in wheelchair

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed