Importance of correct Aids & Equipment

The selection of mobility aids and equipment is a very important matter.  There are so many manufacturers of Wheelchairs, Cusions, hoists and other aids that are designed to meet your individual needs.

It is important to establish exactly what your requirements of a product are.  For example selection of a wheelchair,

• does it need to be light weight?
• does it suit your posture requirements?
• does it need to be fully folding?
• do you need to self propell it?
• is it strong enough for your build and needs?

Other important things are height of back, width and lenth of seat, brakes, footplates position and many other considerations to be taken into account including cost.

Understanding these areas and answering these questions is a very specialised field.  Professionals, such as  O.T's and Physiotherapist's can assist you in making these decisions and most times are involved at a early stage in the selection of aids and equipment.

In this section of Country Care's web site, I intend to look at this equipment and help to raise awareness of what is available, where you can get these items and the procedure to assist you to aquire a particular aid that may help improve your mobility and independence.