Wheelchairs

Important: This page was created to provide general information regarding commonly used and/or recommended devices and equipment. Some of these items might not be required initially but may be appropriate at a later stage, based on medical/rehabilitative team advice. Please continue to rely on the recommendations and training provided by your medical and rehabilitative team. Inappropriate use of equipment can lead to falls and/or injury.

Device Category: Mobility Device

Types: Transport wheelchairs, ‘Standard’ wheelchairs, Recliner wheelchairs and Tilt in space wheelchairs will be discussed in this section.

Insurance: Normally covered by insurance with a medical prescription, however some types may also require further justification letters. Rules do apply related to how often you must wait before you are eligible for a new wheelchair (usually every 5 years).

How to know which is best for you: It is recommended to consult with a medical and rehabilitation team prior to purchasing a wheelchair. They will be able to recommend the best size of wheelchair, type of wheelchair and assist with the ordering and insurance justification process. The only wheelchair this doesn't not apply to are transport wheelchairs.

PARTS/TYPES/CRITICAL INFORMATION

Transport Wheelchair

A transport wheelchair is unable to be self-propelled and is meant for a second person to push. It is mainly used in the community. This chair is lightweight and folds easily to allow for storage in and out of a car or truck.

Critical Information

An individual would need to be able to tolerate sitting fully upright for a given period of time and have good sitting balance to sit upright in the chair without physical assistance. It is recommended to add a cushion to this chair for comfort and to promote good skin integrity. If an individual has an existing pressure sore, it is not recommended they sit in this chair for an extended period of time especially if they are unable to perform self-pressure relieving techniques.

Standard and Lightweight Wheelchairs

Standard wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs are often selected when an individual is able to tolerate sitting upright with no needs to be tilted or reclined back. They must have a certain level of sitting balance and tolerance and no major concerns related to pressure sores. These wheelchairs allow for a level of independence as it allows the user to self-propel if this is deemed appropriate.

Critical Information

A standard wheelchair is often heavier than a lightweight wheelchair and allows for less adjustable features. If skin integrity is a concern, it is important to consult with a wheelchair clinic or your rehabilitation team to make sure you have the most appropriate cushion for your care partner. It is recommended for your care partner to follow a pressure relieving schedule/routine if they will be using this chair for prolonged durations. Please consult with your therapy team regarding these recommendations.

Reclining Wheelchair

A recliner wheelchair is often used when an individual does not have the sitting balance, trunk control or tolerance to sit upright for specific periods of time. A recliner wheelchair has the ability to be reclined back into almost a fully laid-back position.

Critical Information

While a recliner is able to be laid back, the entire chair does not go back as a tilt in space wheelchair does. Be cautious with this wheelchair as sometimes it can lead to the individual sliding down and becoming poorly positioned in the chair. This sliding, if it consistently occurs over time, can lead to potential skin breakdown or other issues related to improper seating and positioning.

If you are having difficulty fitting the recliner wheelchair through certain doorways in your home, you may be able to remove the outermost rims on the wheels (hand rim) in order to decrease the wheelchair width by a few inches. This may allow greater mobility of the recliner through the home. These may only be removed if the wheelchair user is not attempting to self-propel.

Tilt in space wheelchairs:

A tilt wheelchair is often utilized when your care partner has significant deficits. Some reasons an individual may require a tilt in space wheelchair are because they require a greater level of physical assistance, sitting balance and/or tolerance may be poor, they have significant pressure relieving needs, or they have difficulty tolerating changes in position safely. Tilt in space wheelchairs are the most supportive wheelchairs of the four listed here. The benefit of a tilt wheelchair is the entire chair is able to be positioned in different angles on its frame. This can allow for rest breaks and periods of pressure relief while maintaining a specific tilted position in the chair.

These are often customized with different features individualized for your care partner. If you believe your care partner could benefit from a tilt in space wheelchair and they currently do not have one, you can discuss it with your current rehab team, your physician or reach out to a local wheelchair clinic for more information.

Critical Information

Tilt in space wheelchairs have many parts and features depending on an individual’s needs. Even though they are customized, it is important to consistently check your care partner’s tilt in a space wheelchair to make sure it continues to fit them well over time. Making sure no parts of the tilt are leaving marks or causing areas of pressure on your care partner is just as important as making sure no parts of the tilt are becoming loose.

If you believe your care partner’s tilt is causing areas of pressure or indentation or that parts are not fully secured, contact your rehabilitation team and/or the wheelchair clinic where your wheelchair was customized.