SHORT ANSWER: During a wheelchair assessment, a specialist wheelchair therapist asks questions about your health, mobility, daily routine and the places where you use your wheelchair. The therapist also carries out a physical assessment, taking measurements to help them recommend the right wheelchair for you.
There are many different types of wheelchair, and finding one that's just right for you can make a significant difference to your quality of life. Here at Silver Fern Therapy, we provide independent wheelchair assessments that are designed to match you – the wheelchair user – with a chair that's perfectly suited to your needs.
Ideally, your wheelchair needs to fit your body and provide good postural support while also giving you the ability to comfortably navigate your everyday environment and enjoy life to the full.
A properly-conducted wheelchair assessment should take all of these things into consideration. Read on to learn more about our wheelchair assessments and what they tend to involve.
What is a wheelchair assessment?
A wheelchair assessment is an in-depth evaluation of a wheelchair user's mobility and seating needs. It should be carried out by an occupational therapist or other qualified healthcare professional with specialist knowledge of wheelchair prescription.
The purpose of a wheelchair assessment is to gather the information that's needed to prescribe a suitable wheelchair for the person being assessed. Factors such as posture, body measurements, mobility, home and work environments, social life and personal preferences should all be taken into account so that the user is not left in a situation where they're uncomfortable, struggling to get around and unable to engage with the activities that matter to them.
What does a wheelchair assessment consist of?
Every wheelchair user has different case requirements and complicating factors, so the exact content of your wheelchair assessment will be unique to you. However, Silver Fern Therapy's wheelchair assessment process usually looks something like this:
1) Medical history
Your wheelchair therapist will begin by asking about your medical history, mobility and general health. This helps them to understand your present situation, the type of support you require and how your needs may change in the future.
With your permission, the therapist may also contact your GP or consultant if further medical information would help with the assessment.
2) Environmental assessment
Your wheelchair should be optimised for the environment(s) in which you're going to be using it. Your therapist will assess the spaces where you spend the most time (e.g. your home and your place of work) and look at things like doorway widths, the amount of space that's available for turning and manoeuvring, and how you will get in and out of your wheelchair.
If you live with relatives, a partner or carers, their practical requirements may also need to be considered as part of your wheelchair assessment.
3) Physical assessment
This part of the assessment process helps your therapist to establish the correct dimensions and configuration for your wheelchair. They will take accurate measurements and examine how you sit, as well as looking at the range of motion in your joints.
Sometimes, it's possible to gather all the necessary information while you're sitting on the sofa or in your current wheelchair. However, if a more thorough assessment is called for, you may need to sit or lie on a flat surface so that the therapist can assess your unsupported posture.
With your consent, photographs may also be taken to help with the assessment and make a record of your current posture.
4) Wheelchair prescription
Once the assessment is complete, your therapist will bring together everything they've learned to create a wheelchair prescription that's uniquely tailored to you. They will discuss the available options with you, and will also provide a written report.
As a next step, your therapist can work with a wheelchair retailer on your behalf and arrange trials of potentially suitable equipment. Trying out new wheelchairs will give you an opportunity to decide what feels right before committing to a purchase.
Ultimately, the goal of a wheelchair assessment is to meet as many of your requirements as possible while keeping compromises to a minimum. Silver Fern Therapy is a completely independent company with no ties to specific retailers or manufacturers, so our wheelchair prescriptions are always impartial and free of commercial influence.
5) Wheelchair fitting and handover
When your new wheelchair arrives, it may need to be adjusted to achieve the best possible fit for you. During this final stage of the wheelchair prescription process, your therapist can make any necessary adjustments and check that the equipment provides the expected level of support and comfort.
Note that it can take a little time to become accustomed to a new wheelchair. If necessary, we can arrange a follow-up visit after approximately six weeks to make sure you're comfortable and that all equipment is working as intended.
Silver Fern's experienced occupational therapists carry out wheelchair assessments across England and Wales. We can assess you at home, at a local clinic or in another convenient environment. To discuss your needs or book an assessment, please contact us today.
