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What Size? |
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Size
? |
Please use our seating-chart
to determine correct chair size. Seat width, seat depth,
back height, and seat-to-floor height are crucial to configuring
the correct wheelchair. |
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Seat-to-Floor
Height? |
Seat-to-floor
height is important if the patient is going to propel the
wheelchair
with their feet.
Seat-to-floor height can be adjusted down approximately 2" by purchasing a "dual axle" wheelchair. On these
"adjustable height" chairs with "dual axles"
the front forks have several holes to allow moving the front wheels
up or down a few inches. The combination of these
adjustments allow for about 2.5 inches of adjustment in
seat-to-floor height. Use the seating-chart
to measure actual seat-to-floor height when configuring or
purchasing a chair. |
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more... |
Standard
seat-to-floor height for a wheelchair is 18" to 20". Hemi is 17.5
to 18.5- inches and varies somewhat among manufacturers.
Anything lower to the ground is either a "super" or "ultra"
Hemi. In some cases to achieve a lower seat-to-floor height
the rear wheels are changed from the standard 24-inch to either
a 22 or 20-inch. The front casters are also changed from a
standard 8-inch to a 6 or 5-inch. Remember:
if you are adding a cushion to a wheelchair allow that
differential (for example: a 2-inch cushion would further
increase seat-to-floor height by 2-inches.) |
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Chair
Weight... |
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Question: |
Do you know the difference between a standard weight and a lightweight
wheelchair? |
| Answer: |
The difference
can be as much as 15-lbs. or more. |
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more... |
Overall
weight is definitely a consideration if the chair is going to be
transported in a car trunk, backseat, or propelled by an
individual. Some steel framed
chairs approach 50-lbs. and can be too difficult to propel, carry, or
lift. |
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Diagnosis: |
The
patient's condition pretty much determines the weight of a
chair. For instance, if a patient has suffered a stroke, has
limited mobility, arthritis, or is encumbered in any other
way, they may not be able to propel a heavier chair.
However, this
same patient could propel a lightweight chair. |
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Accessories. |
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Anti-tips: |
Accessories
such as anti-tips are appropriate when a patient is very active
and there is a risk of falling. |
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Seat
belts: |
A seat
belt will prevent a patient from sliding down or out of a chair. |
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Brake
extensions: |
Brake
extensions are recommended for ease of use, particularly with
patients who have arthritis or similar conditions. |
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Positioning
Devices: |
Cushions,
laterals, lap trays, back supports, and many other similar devices
can appropriately position a patient in a chair. |
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PHC Customer Service can answer your wheelchair questions
and to make product recommendations for any situation. Call
us toll-free 1-866-553-5319. Our office hours are 8:30am.-5:30pm.
CST. When calling after office hours leave
a message and phone number and we will promptly return your call
the next business day. We also respond promptly to email
questions. |
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here to return to Wheelchair Catalog
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