Short answer: the comfort of your wheelchair is determined almost entirely by the seating within it – that is: the cushion and back support. You can improve the comfort of your wheelchair by adding or changing the seating or by finding a wheelchair that is better suited to your measurements. A wheelchair assessment can help with this.
A comfortable wheelchair can boost your quality of life and make daily activities much easier. If you’ve been struggling with discomfort, pressure sores or postural issues, it is time to make some changes.
Seating components aren’t limited to just the cushion and back support. Items such as the armrests, headrest, lateral supports and footrests can all have an impact on your comfort.
Yes, you may be able to access a free wheelchair through the NHS but this depends on the outcome of a referral to an NHS wheelchair service.
Even though they are a necessity for many people, wheelchairs are unfortunately expensive. This is why it’s so important to consider every option for funding your wheelchair. This guide will explain some common options, including how you might get a wheelchair for free from the NHS.
Thank you John,
Thank you for such a comprehensive report and sound clinical reasoning to support the provision.
Case Manager - Stokes Case Management
Thanks John for making this part of getting new chair so easy. I love it - it's so whizzy! Going up Lane was much easier.
Choosing the right wheelchair for your child can be tough, as there are a million wheelchairs for kids available and each manufacturer is going to tell you that their model is the best. What makes this even more difficult is that one wheelchair isn’t going to be ideal in all situations. A wheelchair may be great for getting around a classroom, but that same chair won’t be ideal for negotiating a muddy sports field or the soft sand at the beach.
This article will give you an idea on what options are available and their various benefits and drawbacks. Its not meant to provide a pathway for you to go out and seek the perfect wheelchair for your child, more to give you a better understanding of the wheelchair market and allow you to make better, more informed choices. You’ll also be able to ask more questions of the person prescribing the wheelchair, whether that be the NHS wheelchair service or a retailer.
