Wheelchairs are a type of highly specialized medical aid. They are used by people with temporary injuries that limit mobility and those with physical impairments caused by a disability. A properly adjusted wheelchair has the power to change a life. It helps disabled people maintain mobility and independence. How to make sure the wheelchair will work correctly for many years to come?
How to increase the longevity of a wheelchair?
Wheelchair is a rather costly equipment and not many people can afford to change it very often. Most users want to make sure their wheelchairs stay in good shape for as long as possible. In order to increase longevity of a wheelchair, it is necessary to:
- dry the seat after use each time it gets wet,
- clean the wheelchair after it comes in contact with sand or salt as both can damage the wheel bearings,
- store the wheelchair at a room temperature in a dry place, protected from the sun,
- use only original parts or parts recommended by the wheelchair’s manufacturer in case a change is needed.
It is also necessary to properly maintain a wheelchair, keeping to the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer.
How to maintain a wheelchair?
The maintenance of a wheelchair depends on the model, as well as the type of usage it is subjected to. It should always adhere to the manual provided by the manufacturer and follow the established maintenance schedule.
Daily maintenance of a wheelchair
Daily maintenance of a wheelchair requires checking the tires and making sure they are still hard. If necessary, the user should use the bicycle pump to add air. It is also important to ensure the tire pressure is neither too low, nor too high, as both can affect the safety and comfort of the wheelchair user. Daily maintenance should also consist of cleaning the dirt off the frame with a damp cloth and keeping the water from getting into the wheel bearings.
Weekly maintenance of a wheelchair
Weekly maintenance of a wheelchair includes checking the brakes, front wheels, and castors. In case of wheels it is important to make sure they all touch the ground and can rotate freely.
Monthly maintenance of a wheelchair
Monthly maintenance of a wheelchair consists of checking all screws and bolts and tightening them if necessary. It is important to remember that the front caster pivot bolt cannot be too tight, as it may affect the steering of the wheelchair.
Correct wheelchair maintenance should also include an annual check conducted by an authorized supplier.
The importance of correct maintenance and parts replacement for the safety and comfort of wheelchair users
Correct maintenance and parts replacement are important for the safety and comfort of wheelchair users. It helps prevent wheelchair-related injuries. The risk of sustaining such injury is ten times smaller if the wheelchair underwent all the maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.
How to change wheelchair parts?
In case of a malfunction or a substantial wear and tear noted during maintenance, the change of a faulty wheelchair part is necessary. Wheelchair parts, including wheelchair brake parts, may be changed at home, if only the user feels confident with the task. In case of a doubt, they can always find a suitable ‘how to’ manual on the internet. It is necessary to use original components suited for the wheelchair model at hand. If the change of wheelchair parts proves to be too difficult for the user, it is best to seek professional help.