Wheelchairs

Deciding to use a wheelchair can be a difficult and emotional decision. You can think of a wheelchair as just another tool to help you do the things you want and need to do. Many people find that using a wheelchair enables them to get out and about again.

You do not have to use your wheelchair every day. Often people will continue to walk when they are comfortable to do so and keep their wheelchair as a backup or for longer outings.

If you plan to use your wheelchair only for outings, consider whether a mobility scooter might be a suitable alternative.

Mobility scooters

Wheelchairs may be funded for some people. If you do not qualify for a funded wheelchair, you have the option to hire or buy your own.

If you are considering using a wheelchair, discuss this with your health care provider. They can give you information about eligibility for a funded wheelchair, and arrange a referral for an assessment.

If you only need a wheelchair to get around in the community to do things you enjoy, you will probably not qualify for funding and will need to buy or hire one yourself.

If you have injury-related mobility needs, contact ACC to discuss an assessment for a wheelchair.

Age Concern has a directory of businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages.

Equipment suppliers — Age Concern

A wheelchair can be life-changing, but sometimes people who hire or buy their own chair choose one that does not fit them properly or suit their needs.

It is a good idea to contact an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who is an accredited wheelchair assessor to arrange an assessment before you hire or buy. They will work with you to decide what type is most suitable. Ask your healthcare provider how to find a therapist.

If you choose to buy or hire your own wheelchair, there are things you should consider.

Wheels

Wheelchairs have different types of wheels for different environments. Think carefully where you mostly plan to use the wheelchair.

• small hard wheels (castors) at the front are great on a smooth surface but not on gravel
• hard wheels do not get punctures but may make the ride feel a bit bumpier
• air-filled wheels provide a more comfortable ride (compared to hard wheels) but can get punctures that need repairing
• back wheels can be big (called self-propelling) or small (called transit wheels)
• big wheels make the chair easier to push and control but are heavier when lifting the wheelchair.

Power

You may want to consider whether a powered wheelchair could suit you.

Powered wheelchairs:

• are more expensive than non-powered chairs
• are heavier than non-powered chairs — consider this carefully, especially if the chair needs to be lifted into a car.
• may give you more freedom as you do not need another person to push you.

Before you purchase a powered chair, arrange to test drive it to make sure it feels safe, and you can comfortably control it.

Also consider the costs of maintaining a powered chair. Things like replacing batteries, and a technician to fit them, can be very expensive. 

Folding and lifting

If you will need to take your wheelchair out in the car, before you buy it you should make sure:

• the person who will be lifting it can manage the weight
• the chair fits into your car.

Many wheelchairs have wheels that can pop off and armrests that lift out to help reduce the chair's weight for lifting.

Make sure you can remove the footrests if you will need to put the wheelchair in a car.

Some electric wheelchairs have batteries that lift off to allow the chair to be folded.

Seat width

Check the width of the wheelchair. It should be just wide enough that you can fit into it if you wear a jacket. If you can slip your fist down either side, the wheelchair is too wide. A wheelchair that is too wide will not offer enough support and may cause you to lean to one side.

Seat depth

When you sit in your wheelchair with your bottom right back, your thighs should be well supported, and the seat should come to about one inch behind your knee. Any closer and your legs will rub against the edge, causing you to slump down.

If the seat is too short for your thighs, you may find your thighs are not well supported, and the seating may be uncomfortable.

Footrest height

When you sit with your feet on the footrests, they should sit flat on the footplates and be well supported rather than dangling.

You also need to check they are not too high. If your knees are higher than your hips, the footrests are too high and need adjusting.

Backrests

You should feel comfortably supported by your backrest. When you lean back, you should be well supported using the full length of the backrest. The backrest should not be so high that it interferes with you moving your arms or head.

Armrests

Armrests on a wheelchair should be adjustable. You should be able to comfortably rest your elbows without leaning forward or hunching your shoulders.

Seat belt

Seat belts in wheelchairs provide extra security. If you choose to have a seatbelt, it should sit low on your hips and not push into your stomach. You should be able to undo the seat belt yourself without relying on anybody else.

Wheelchair cushion

Most wheelchairs only have basic upholstery to sit on, so it is worth considering buying a fitted cushion to make it more comfortable.

It is also worth buying a spare washable cover and you may find a waterproof cover helpful as well.

Your wheelchair cushion should be as comfortable as your couch or armchair cushion. It is possible to get air- or gel-filled cushions, but if you do not need these at home, you should not need them in your chair.