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At UDS our goal is to assist with the long-term comfort desires and needs of our clients. When considering a custom wheelchair there are a few steps to ensure that the user has the best long-term experience with their chair.
First the user will be evaluated and measurements will be taken so that the chair can be fitted accordingly for optimal comfort. Hobbies and lifestyle will be taken into consideration when choosing the material that will be used to build the chair. If the user has any preferences for special features to be added that can be included in the chair too. To confirm that daily life with the chair will be as easy as possible, a home assessment will also be conducted, ensuring that the wheelchair will provide the best comfort and mobility options while set in that specific environment.
The Wheelchair Fitting Process
Therapy Mat Evaluation
The first step in getting fitted for a custom wheelchair is typically a therapy mat evaluation. A professional will perform an examination to test balance, head and neck position, skeletal alignment, range of motion, and strength. During this process, mapping a user’s pressure distribution can be extremely helpful in identifying high-risk zones for pressure injuries and adjusting the seating system accordingly to reduce these risks. Any preferences the user has expressed will also be taken into consideration.
Wheelchair Measurements
There are many measurements that will need to be taken before a custom wheelchair can be ordered. Hip width, thigh depth, lower leg length, chest width, and shoulders are just a few that may help determine the cushion size and back supports. The more measurements taken the more likely for the chair sizing will be the most accurate for the user. Any existing medical equipment like braces, prosthetics, or mobility aids should be factored into the measurement process to ensure compatibility, comfort, and functionality. A wheelchair that is not fitted correctly can cause issues with digestion, breathing, and the overall health of the skeletal system.
Choosing Materials
Selecting the right materials is one of the most important factors for durability and how well the wheelchair moves throughout certain environments. Wheels, frame, and cushions can all be customizable. Typically, most wheelchairs are made of steel. If the user is considering a lightweight wheelchair, aluminum, titanium, and carbon are common options.
Adding Special Features
Special features can help with comfort, mobility, and convenience. Some add custom arm or footrests or recline functions to the back rests. Adding pockets can help users with storage in transportation, a feature specifically designed for convenience. Wheelchairs can be outfitted with specific wheels too, making them better in varying terrains. Users can determine which features would best support their daily routines by consulting with healthcare providers, occupational therapists, or mobility specialists when looking into investing in a custom wheelchair. It’s also important to consider the user’s hobbies and interests to ensure the wheelchair makes daily activities easier for users and is not more difficult.
Home Assessment Test
During a home assessment test an assistive technology professional will schedule a home visit to see how the wheelchair works in the user’s daily environment. This is helpful as they will be able to share easy self-modifications that can be done to your home to make it more wheelchair friendly. The assessment will also help decide which features might be more beneficial for the user in conjunction with their environment. The assistive technology professional will be able to make adjustments to the chair and make sure that it has all the correct features.
How UDS Can Help
The process of deciding on and ordering a custom wheelchair can be overwhelming. We want to help make sure that the wheelchair is best suited for the user’s lifestyle. We can help figure out which measurement, materials, and features should be a part of the user’s custom design. We’ve compiled a page detailing our customizable wheelchair process that includes a video and FAQ’s for referencing. At UDS, we pride ourselves on being with you every step of the way, and making ourselves available for any questions and guidance. UDS serves most of eastern and central PA. For more information, please contact us and fill out your information to learn more about our services.