How to Make The Most of Wheelchairs

According to NHS figures, there are 1.2 million people using a wheelchair in the UK. With two-thirds of these using them regularly, there is a growing requirement for accessories to enhance them. Probably the most important of these are wheelchair ramps. Their correct installation makes areas of the home and outside much more accessible.

Ramps to negotiate door thresholds can be key pieces of access equipment. Installing these in doorways greatly improves wheelchair access. Most thresholds only provide a barrier of a couple of inches in height. Still, this can be enough to cause problems if you are using a chair or a wheeled walking aid.

Thresholds typically require ramps providing a slope on either side. Rubber or flexible plastic is a good material for the job. Modular units offer a good choice for this situation. These have small parts which fit together to create the desired height and width of the ramp.

These are great for wheelchairs, as well as for someone using a walking frame with wheels, or a rollator. Many modular ramp systems are quite heavy, preventing them slipping or sliding out of position when in use. The rubber versions have high friction with the ground, useful if they are on a hard surface.

Even for relatively small obstacles like thresholds, it is important to ensure that the ramp is not too steep.

Away from small threshold ramps, there is a huge range of more substantial wheelchair ramps available. These are great for steps, curbs and rough ground. Most modern ramps are aluminium because of its relative light weight and resistance to corrosion.

Many ramps have a high-friction rolling surface, to minimise the risk of slipping. Using textured plastic or an abrasive pattern in the metal itself are common methods.

While suitable ramps are among the most useful wheelchair accessories, there are a host of others which can enhance the equipment. Clothing made for wheelchairs is one area which has seen great strides in recent years.

Weather Protection for Wheelchair Users

For those living in the UK, dealing with changeable weather is an every-day consideration. Luckily there are now many specially made garments for wet weather. These range from poncho style rain coats, to fleece lined all-in-ones, offering head to toe protection.

Garments like this are available with or without hoods and with a choice of inner lining. Depending on the weather forecast, there is clothing for every eventuality!

Mobility scooter rain macs are typically of the poncho variety. Often these stretch out in front of the user, covering the handlebars and controls. This prevents them getting wet, along with the hands of the user.

They usually have a see-through section, allowing the user to see the controls.

Some people prefer leaving their mobility scooter or wheelchair outside the house rather than bringing it in. To protect it from the elements, a waterproof cover is a good idea. It is important to securely fasten any cover to ensure it is not a risk from blowing away in the wind.

Other creative wheelchair accessories help personalise them. Colourful hubcaps are available in various designs, for example. These clip to the spokes of the wheels. Colourful transfers are also great for brightening-up the paintwork.

A 'wheelybrella' is another clever product which helps keep the rain off. These are essentially umbrellas which have clamp on the end of a flexible shaft. This fixes to the back of the wheelchair, allowing the hood of the umbrella to open above the user.

A wide range of bags can fit to various parts of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The most popular are those which attach to the backrest or pushing handles. They usually adhere using simple straps, which fasten with Velcro or popper catches.

Available in various sizes, these bags are ideal for visits to the shops. Side bags are also available which strap to a wheelchair's armrests. It is important to note that many of these are not suitable for chairs with large rear wheels. Instead, they are for assistant-propelled 'transit' wheelchairs with small rear wheels.

Other popular 'extras' for wheelchairs include trays which attach the armrests. These fold-down out of the way when not in use.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.