Which Wheelchair
By Andrew Kelly
If you've been told you need a wheelchair, you're probably feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. Deciding which chair is right for you can be a real challenge. This article describes a few of the most common wheelchairs, and provides some pointers to decide which chair is the right one.
When most people think of wheelchairs, they think of manual wheelchairs. Those are the chairs with the large back wheels. The user propels the chair by pushing on the wheel rims.
If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may need to take another look at which chair you need. Your doctor will probably suggest a bariatric chair, which is wider and built to hold more weight.
A manual or bariatric chair is probably which chair you'll use if you can use your upper body and support yourself in a sitting position. If you can't propel your own chair, for instance, if your arms are not strong enough or if you get too short of breath with exertion you may require a motorized wheelchair or a scooter. Your insurance will probably pay for this if your doctor will certify this is which chair you need to maintain a high quality of life.
Another type of wheelchair is the geri-chair. These chairs are designed to help people who cannot maintain an upright posture on their own. These chairs are heavier than traditional wheelchairs and have four small wheels. They are heavily cushioned. Geri-chairs usually recline and have extendable leg rests. Unlike manual chairs, geri-chairs are not easily portable.
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly writes for various websites including, Free article directories and The A to Z of with an interest in health and disability.
Article Source: http://wheelchairs.theatozof.com/
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