What are the specific requirements for patients to choose wheelchairs in rehabilitation programs?

When our parents are slowly getting old, how to choose a wheelchair for their parents has become a pain in many people's hearts. Because they are not professional, many people are confused about how to choose. Here, I will share with you how to choose a good wheelchair for our elderly parents.

Wheelchairs are the most common assistive devices in hospitals. People with lower limb fractures and infirmities need to use wheelchairs temporarily; For the paralyzed, stroke, amputated and frail elderly, wheelchairs are just like their legs, which is an important tool to help them improve their self-care ability, go to work and return to society.

There are many types and styles of wheelchairs on the market at present. At this time, users probably don't know what kind of wheelchair is more suitable, and even many people hold almost all wheelchairs and buy one at will. This idea is all wet. According to Director Cai, a famous medical authority, wheelchairs with different structures and functions are needed because of the different physical condition, use environment and purpose of each passenger. According to research, 80% of patients who use wheelchairs now choose the wrong wheelchair or use it improperly.

Generally, riders spend a long time in wheelchairs. An unsuitable wheelchair is not only uncomfortable and unsafe, but also easy to cause secondary injuries to the occupants, so it is very important to choose a suitable wheelchair. But how can we choose a suitable wheelchair correctly? Director Cai listed the following places that we often need to pay attention to when buying wheelchairs.

A, wheelchair general selection requirements:

Wheelchairs are not only used indoors, but also often used outdoors. For some patients, wheelchairs may become mobile tools between home and workplace. Therefore, the choice of wheelchair should meet the needs of the rider's illness, and the size should be adapted to the user's figure to make the ride comfortable and stable; Wheelchairs should also be solid, reliable and durable, and should be firmly fixed with the ground when transferring to avoid shaking; Easy to fold and carry; Driving is labor-saving and low in energy consumption. The price can be accepted by ordinary users, so that users have some autonomy in choosing appearance (such as color, style, etc.). ) and functions. Easy to purchase parts and maintain.

Second, how to choose the type of wheelchair:

The wheelchairs we usually see are high-back wheelchairs, ordinary wheelchairs, nursing wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs for competitions and so on. Choosing a wheelchair should take into account the nature and degree of disability, age, general functional status, place of use, etc.

High-back wheelchair-usually used for patients with postural hypotension who can't maintain a 90-degree sitting position. After the postural hypotension is relieved, it should be replaced by an ordinary wheelchair as soon as possible, so that patients can drive their own wheelchairs.

Ordinary wheelchair-patients with normal upper limb function, such as lower limb amputation and low paraplegia, can choose a wheelchair with pneumatic tires in ordinary wheelchairs.

Electric wheelchair-If the upper limb hand function is poor and can't drive an ordinary wheelchair, you can choose a wheelchair with a friction resistance handwheel or an electric wheelchair.

Nursing wheelchair-If the patient has poor hand function and mental disorder, he can choose a light nursing wheelchair and be pushed by others.

Sports Wheelchairs-For some young and able-bodied wheelchair users, sports wheelchairs can help them carry out sports activities and enrich their spare time.

Third, how to choose the size of the wheelchair:

Wheelchairs should be as big as clothes. Proper size can make all parts stress evenly, which is not only comfortable, but also can prevent the occurrence of adverse consequences. The main recommendations are as follows:

(1) Seat width selection: When the patient is sitting in a wheelchair, there should be a gap of 2.5 cm between the two sides of the buttocks and the two inner surfaces of the wheelchair;

(2) Selection of seat length: When the patient is in a wheelchair, the distance between the popliteal fossa (just behind the knee and the depression at the junction of thigh and calf) and the front edge of the seat should be 6.5cm.

(3) Selection of backrest height: In general, the height difference between the upper edge of backrest and the armpit of the patient is about 10 cm, but it should be determined according to the function of the patient's trunk. The higher the backrest, the more stable the patient sits; The lower the backrest, the more convenient the activities of the trunk and upper limbs.

(4) Selection of pedal height: The pedal should be at least 5cm from the ground. If it is a foot pedal that can be adjusted up and down, the foot pedal can be adjusted until the patient sits up, so that the bottom of the front end of the thigh is 4 cm away from the seat cushion.

(5) Selection of handrail height: After sitting down, the patient should bend his elbow 90 degrees and add 2.5 cm upwards.

With more and more people using wheelchairs in their daily lives, many disabled people and the elderly are also concerned about the brand and quality of wheelchairs. Here are some better brands made in China, such as Hubang Wheelchair and Guangzhou Warren Hall.

According to authoritative data, the top ten domestic wheelchair brands are:

1 help each other

(China wheelchair market leading brand, a professional company dedicated to the production of rehabilitation equipment such as wheelchairs, top ten brands of wheelchairs, Shanghai Hubang Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.)

2 Warren Hall TopMedi

China is a well-known wheelchair brand, mainly exported to Australia, Europe and America, and its products have passed many international certifications. It is a medical device enterprise specializing in rehabilitation in China. )

3 Kaiyang

(Guangdong famous trademark, comprehensive enterprise specializing in wheelchair production, China important wheelchair and medical care equipment production base, Guangdong Kaiyang Medical Technology Co., Ltd.)

4 San GUI San Mu

(1965, founded in Japan, is a professional manufacturer of rehabilitation equipment such as wheelchairs, a famous brand in the industry, and one of the top ten brands of wheelchairs, Sangui Rehabilitation Equipment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.)

5 Yu Yue (China well-known trademark, China famous brand product, Jiangsu high-tech enterprise, specializing in the production of medical devices, Jiangsu Yuyue Medical Devices Co., Ltd.)

6 Yingweikang

(Since 1885, Invicon Medical Devices (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., one of the largest manufacturers of household/medical oxygen equipment in the world, is a leading brand in the field of medical devices)

7 Otto Bok

(Established in 1993, German-funded company, top ten brands of wheelchairs, comprehensive enterprise specializing in the production of wheelchairs, Otto Bok (China) Industrial Co., Ltd.)

8 Wei Meiheng

(since 1957, a well-known European manufacturer of wheelchairs, household medical AIDS and sickbeds, an internationally renowned brand, Weimeiheng (Suzhou) Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.)

9 China Progress/Japanese Progress

(Jinri Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. supports enterprises in all directions, leading enterprises in high-end rehabilitation equipment production, top ten brands of wheelchairs, Changzhou Jinzhong Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.)

10 Taikang

(A large-scale group high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, manufacturing and sales, with modern large-scale R&D and production base, top ten wheelchair brands, Tianjin Test Instrument Co., Ltd.)

(Source: World Brand Research Council, please indicate the source)

In addition to the brand, it is also important to choose the driving style of wheelchair. If the economy permits, it is much better to choose an electric wheelchair than a manual wheelchair driven by manpower, because the electric wheelchair is more convenient for the elderly. The fundamental difference from traditional electric scooters, battery cars, bicycles and other means of transportation is that electric wheelchairs have intelligent operation controllers. According to the different operation modes, there are rocker controllers and controllers controlled by various switches such as head or suction system. The latter is mainly suitable for severely disabled people with upper and lower limb disabilities. Nowadays, electric wheelchairs have become an indispensable means of transportation for the elderly and the disabled with limited mobility, and are widely used. As long as the user is conscious and has normal cognitive ability, it is a good choice to use an electric wheelchair, but it needs a certain amount of activity space.

Of course, there may be maintenance problems in the use of electric wheelchairs. Common failures include battery failure, brake failure and tire failure.

I. Battery

Electric wheelchair, as the name implies, the battery is the key to drive the electric wheelchair. The batteries of high-grade electric wheelchairs are also expensive in the market, so the maintenance of batteries is very important in the use of electric wheelchairs. The battery is prone to problems that it cannot be charged and is not durable after charging. First, the battery cannot be charged. Check whether the charger is normal, and then check the fuse. These two small problems have basically appeared. Secondly, the battery is not durable after charging, and there is loss in normal use, which everyone should know; Over time, the battery life will gradually weaken, which is a normal battery loss; If it is a sudden battery life problem, it is generally caused by excessive discharge. Therefore, in the process of using the electric wheelchair, we should be diligent in maintaining the battery.

Second, brake.

Brake is a very important part in the control part of electric wheelchair, which is closely related to the personal safety of users. Therefore, it is very important to check whether the brakes are normal before using the electric wheelchair. The reason why the brakes often go wrong is the clutch and rocker. Before traveling in an electric wheelchair, check whether the clutch is in the "ON" position, and then check whether the rocker of the controller bounces back to the middle position. If it is not these two reasons, it is necessary to consider whether the clutch or the controller is damaged. At this time, it is necessary to repair it in time, and it is forbidden to use electric wheelchairs when the brakes are damaged.

Third, tires.

Because the tire is in direct contact with the ground and the road conditions are different, the loss of the tire during use is also different. A common problem with tires is puncture. At this time, the tires should be inflated first. When inflating, please refer to the recommended tire pressure on the tire surface. Then, if you pinch the tire, do you feel firm? If you feel soft or your fingers can press in, it may be air leakage or a punctured inner tube. Tire maintenance is also very important. Many people find that they can't walk in a straight line after using electric wheelchairs for a period of time. In fact, many problems occur on tires, such as tire deformation, air leakage and looseness. Or the bearing lubricating oil is insufficient and the wheel joint is corroded, which are the possible reasons why the electric wheelchair can't walk straight.

Scope of application:

At present, there are many kinds of wheelchairs on the market, which can be divided into aluminum alloy, light material and steel according to materials. For example, according to the types, it can be divided into ordinary wheelchairs and special wheelchairs. Special wheelchairs can also be divided into: leisure wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, seat-side wheelchairs and standing wheelchairs. Ordinary wheelchairs are mainly composed of wheelchair frames, wheels, brakes and other devices, which constitute the scope of application: lower limb disability, hemiplegia, paraplegia below the chest and the elderly with mobility difficulties. Features: The patient can operate the fixed armrest or detachable armrest, and the fixed pedal or detachable pedal can be folded when going out or not in use. According to the different models and prices, it can be divided into hard seats, soft seats, pneumatic tires or solid tires, among which wheelchairs with fixed handrails and fixed pedals are cheaper. Special wheelchair: fully functional, not only as a means of transportation for the disabled and people with limited mobility, but also with other functions. Scope of application: high paraplegia patients and the elderly and infirm. Features: 1. The backrest of an inclined wheelchair is as high as the detachable armrest and the rotatable pedal of the occupant's head. The pedal can be lifted and rotated 90 degrees, and the bracket can be adjusted to a horizontal position. 2. The backrest can be adjusted in stages, or it can be adjusted horizontally at will without stages (equivalent to a bed), and the user can rest in a wheelchair. The headrest can also be removed. Application scope of electric wheelchair: for people with one-handed control ability such as paraplegia or hemiplegia. The electric wheelchair is powered by battery and equipped with one-hand control device, which can move forward, backward and turn, and can be used indoors and outdoors. The price is higher. Application scope of toilet wheelchair: for the disabled and the elderly who can't go to the toilet by themselves. Toilet wheelchair: it can be divided into small-wheeled toilet chair and wheelchair with toilet, which can be selected according to the use occasion. Sport wheelchair Sport wheelchair: For disabled people to use in sports activities, it can be divided into ball games and racing cars. The design is special, and the materials used are generally aluminum alloy or light material, which is strong and light. Standing wheelchair: it is a standing wheelchair for paraplegic or cerebral palsy patients to stand and train. Through training: First, prevent patients from osteoporosis, promote blood circulation and strengthen muscle strength training. The second is to facilitate patients to take things. Scope of application: paraplegic patients and cerebral palsy patients.

Through the above introduction, I believe you have a better understanding of wheelchairs and the domestic wheelchair market. I hope you can choose a suitable product for our elderly parents and our beloved family!