New to the world of wheeling is a manual wheelchair that provides everything imaginable called the iGLIDE™ available through Independence Technology. This wheelchair is so unique, it must go on the top of the list for people who desire flexibility and the comfort of a manual wheelchair with power!
Just imagine going further, and longer, with actually less than the same amount of effort because it contains a power device discreetly hidden under the seat pan that provides additional strength when you need it.
The iGLIDE™ was tested by three Wheel Me On Board Directors at the 2004 Annual Meeting and Education program under the close supervision of Luis Napoles, M.O.T., OTR/L, from San Antonio, Texas. The iGLIDE™ wheelchair was scrutinized by all Board Directors and evaluated by several members. Everyone agreed it was by far the most unique manual/power wheelchair ever seen.
Disassembly or fold-down of the wheelchair is fast and easy. The wheelchair is considered lightweight at 37-pounds after the battery, wheels, arm rests, and cushion are removed. Demonstration of the wheelchair brought gasps of approval, users of it were amazed, and approval from Wheel Me On Board Directors was obvious.
One of the most remarkable things about this wheelchair was realizing the limited use of arm strength to turn it on a dime and roll across carpet with ease never before experienced. This fully integrated, manual-assist wheelchair system, is designed to supplement strength and provide an extra boost to easily handle different terrains, inclines, and surfaces, but looks and operates like a regular manual wheelchair.
Luis Napoles answered questions, providing education, and interest about the product while taking the time to explain all mechanisms.
Update: Recent inquiries have been unable to locate the iGlide. (January 2008)
The Manual Wheelchair
Basically there are three types of mobility that will serve the needs of the person requiring wheels for mobility:
Manual Wheelchair, Motorized Scooter, and Power Wheelchair.
Each one of these categories are available in an array of brands, makes and models.
The bottom line however, is which of these wheelchairs will accommodate your requirements, and the fact of the matter is that only a professionally trained specialist can answer that question.
Now that does not mean you will be limited to a particular brand, make, or model.
That simply means do not buy something your own physician is not prescribing.
Most individuals who are able to maintain their upper body strength, will want to, if at all possible.
Therefore, a manual wheelchair is the preferred choice if it is the practical and physically needed wheelchair for the individual.
There are many advantages to maintaining upper body strength, especially if you desire to continue independance or are sports inclined.
Manual Wheelchair Users
Please Wear Protective Gloves On Your Hands!
Motorized Scooters
The decision of a motorized scooter is the same as for any medical equipment: Talk to your physician and have an evaluation made before purchasing.
I am not anti-scooter, but I do think they have limitations for physically challenged people that are permanently engaged to mobility needs.
Some scooters have a tendency to be longer than wheelchairs and they may become more difficult to transport for a variety of reasons.
One advantage of a scooter is the easy "in and out" accessibility if you are able to perform the task.
Scooters are usually just as heavy as an electric wheelchair and will require a lift or a person that can disassemble the parts to transport.
Most important is to realize the length of time you will require to sit in the same seat and assuring yourself of comfort.
Power Wheelchairs
Without a doubt, I had a serious attitudinal problem when I first had to start using power wheelchair over a decade past.
In recent years, after my attitude adjustment, I discovered that being confined to a power wheelchair was not as awful as what I first imagined.
Again, proper fitting over seen by a physician is the key to comfort.
The amazing part of all this is once you realize your own acceptance of mobility challenges, there is little that cannot be accomplished.
Power wheelchairs are available in many brands, makes, and models...just like all the other wheelchairs available to conquer your challenge.
Breaking a New Barrier
When the time came for me to move up in class to an electric (power) wheelchair with a lift, I was not quite sure how to attempt selection, much less who I could really count on to give me the answers for questions I had.
First I called my all-time power wheelchair repair service and spoke with my favorite technician. With his help, I was able to narrow it down to two possibilities.
Then I went on a search for the two wheelchairs. Of course I wanted the best in performance and one that would provide me with a tight turning ratio.
A wheelchair that would not make my feet look bigger than my head, and one that had some speed.
Naturally, everyone I spoke with thought I was crazy. "You want ALL that? Plus a wheelchair with a lift?"
My selection ended up based on the most important criteria of all: Comfort and fit! When the day finally arrived for my fitting, I was scared to death.
I calmly rolled into the shop in my aging power wheelchair and looked around.
"This is it here," said Linda Rock, the OTR and Rehab Technology Specialist I had known from day one.
I glanced over at the new power wheelchair and then at my care attendant. "It'll be okay," he promised as he helped me transfer.
I was not real impressed. The wheelchair was larger than I imagined and I just knew I would not like it.
When they started to lower the back into a reclining position and my feet went up in the air, I was not sure if I should start screaming or laughing.
I did not even notice that Bill grabbed the digital camera and started shooting photos.
The team at Home Care Supply in Houston, Texas swarmed over the wheelchair like bees.
They kept asking, "Are you okay? Are you comfortable? How do you feel?"
The head rest was adjusted to perfection, the padding on the back of the seat was adjusted and re-adjusted until I felt snug as a bug in a rug.
The leg/calf supports were revised to straps because I was not real comfortable with the feeling of the support system, and the toggle to move the lift on the wheelchair was relocated for easier management.
I was beginning to wonder if I was going to be stuck in this position.
After what seemed to be an eternity, they let me move the toggle and lower myself into a normal sitting position.
Ahhh. What a relief! Playing around for a while, glancing over at the other wheelchair, appeared neglected and forlorn, after serving me faithfully for a number of years.
I felt like saying, "Don't worry, you're coming home with me." But I knew if I did, every one would think I had really lost my marbles.
The next step was to get me outside and this was not exactly a small effort on anyone's part because the control toggle was different and I needed to get used to it.
Actually it rather reminded me of my days in an electric scooter and setting off elevator alarms.
By the time I finally reached the parking lot, my faithful wheelchair was broke down into pieces that would fit in my van and I was engaging myself in a private race in the parking lot.
Yes! I thought, I think this is going to work as I cranked it up to the fastest speed.
Note: Upgrading to new wheelchairs whether due to increased physical limitations or replacement purposes can sometimes be traumatic experiences.
Allow yourself time to adjust to your new wheelchair and time for your wheelchair to adjust to you.
Breaking attitudinal barriers and hurdling obstacles will be adventures you will laugh about in the years ahead.
My new wheelchair is no longer considered the "monster chair" but now a part of me, providing me greater comfort and mobility.
Wheelchair Batteries
If you ask three different sources what the best way is to take care of wheelchair batteries, chances are you will get three different answers.
My knowledge comes from a fairly reliable source who sells medical equipment, and the advise has worked for me.
If you will not be using your electric wheelchair for two or more days, charge-up the battery completely, then disconnect the joy stick, and unplug the wheelchair from the battery. Turn off and unplug
the battery charger. Before you use your wheelchair again, recharge the battery.
It is important that your batteries stay charged. Electric wheelchairs that are used daily need to be charged every night. Skipping nights may cause a battery cell to ruin and eventually the battery will
not function properly.
Maintenance
The maintenance of a wheelchair is no different than that of a fancy sports car and the fact is, one may cost as much as the other. If you cannot clean your wheelchair, find someone who can or take it to a wheelchair clinic where they will do it for you.
Periodically check that all bolts and nuts are tight and that all functions are operational. Just like a fancy sports car, some wheelchairs may require lubrication. Take care of the expensive tires...even if they are gel-filled, avoid nails and glass.
Seat bolts must be tightened periodically or you could experience shutdown on some models of electric wheelchairs if they become loose.
Make sure any possible glitches on your wheelchair are fixed before you leave home. The difficulty here, if you have a problem, is finding an authorized dealer out of town that can fix it.
If you use an electric wheelchair, it is a good idea to take a collapsible wheelchair (room permitting) in case of emergency.
Be certain to check the air pressure on the tires of the collapsible wheelchair and keep an air pump handy. (Tires on wheelchairs tend to go flat when not in use!)
Parting Thoughts
Checking areas of pressure on your body where sores (pressure sores or ulcers) can develop is a daily routine that should never be omitted.
If scaling or rash-like skin appear, it is pertinent that the area be examined by a physician or wound care center to prevent the development of a pressure ulcer. If they are not treated, you may be saying good-bye to any travel for a long, long, time.
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