Wheelchairs are the best solution for people with mobility issues. While standard wheelchairs can do the job, some people have certain needs and preferences. One popular type of wheelchair is the reclining wheelchair. But, with all the options available, it’s hard to determine whether it would be the right choice to get.
This article aims to help you understand better what makes reclining wheelchairs a popular choice. You’ll also learn what it is and its features. Moreover, the article focuses on the benefits you or your loved one can get from using one. Lastly, discover some tips on choosing the right reclining chair.
What Is a Reclining Wheelchair?
A reclining wheelchair is a mobility device like other wheelchairs. But, this has a reclining back feature. It’s designed for adults and people with limited mobility due to injuries, illness, or disabilities who might be uncomfortable sitting upright. If you’re looking for a comfortable chair for you or your loved one, it’s one of the top choices that’s highly recommended.
On the other hand, it might not be the best option for adults and elderly who:
- Want a lightweight wheelchair to use
- Can and want to propel themselves
- Don’t need the extra reclined support
- Want or need an easily foldable and portable wheelchair
Features
Distinguishing between reclining and non-reclining wheelchairs can be a challenge. Here's an outline of the essential attributes of a quality reclining chair:
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Tilt: This helps in repositioning the backrest of the chair.
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Seat Cushion: This can be made of different kinds of foam or gel and is designed to provide a comfortable seat.
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Elevating Leg Rests: These support the legs, especially the knees when the chair’s back is fully reclined.
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Headrest: This includes head support, especially for users struggling to balance their heads or necks.
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Brakes: This allows the users or caregivers to stop the wheelchair and prevent it from moving.
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Anti-Tippers: This is an important feature that prevents the wheelchair from falling backward, especially when the user is reclining.
5 Benefits of Reclining Wheelchairs For Adults
Reclining wheelchairs allow users to enjoy more comfortable and functional positions while using the chair. It also allows family members and caregivers to be more flexible when needed. Besides, there are specific benefits reclining wheelchairs provide, especially for adults. These benefits include the following:
1. Comfortable
Wheelchair users spend most of their time sitting, so their comfort should be the top priority. That’s why it’s essential to choose a wheelchair that can provide them the most comfort based on their needs. This is where reclining wheelchairs are ideal.
These wheelchairs have different features that can match the needs of the users. For example, there are various cushion types that you can get for the seat. Moreover, the elevating leg rests, and reclining features make any position comfortable and not awkward. The 180-degree reclination also allows the user and caregiver better access when performing hygiene tasks.
2. Relieves Pressure Sores
Sitting down for long periods of time can result in poor blood circulation. This can cause the skin to break down and get an open sore, leading to more serious problems if left untreated.
Reclining chairs offer users the flexibility to achieve their desired comfortable position. This helps promote a more even distribution of body weight. Furthermore, many reclining chairs come equipped with pressure-sore cushions. This can help alleviate discomfort and expedite the healing process for existing sores.
3. Helps Ease Postural Hypotension
Postural hypotension, or orthostatic hypotension, is a low blood pressure condition. This can cause dizziness when standing up after sitting or lying down. Since wheelchair users spend their time sitting in chairs, hypotension can happen. They’re immobile for long periods of time, and their arterial pressure drops.
With a reclining chair, the user can switch positions now and then. For instance, they can start in an upright position and then eventually transition to a tilted position. Hypotension can be prevented by allowing them to adjust their body and legs.
4. Easier Transfers
Transferring a wheelchair user from a traditional or standard wheelchair to a bed can be difficult. But it’s the complete opposite with reclining wheelchairs. The chairs allow users to be reclined parallel to the bed. This can make it easier to transfer to and from. Many of its parts are adjustable or moveable like the backseat, armrests, and leg rests. This makes it easy to adjust the whole wheelchair. These make it easy for the user to get in and out of the wheelchair, even with or without help.
5. Prevents Back Pain
Traditional wheelchairs only allow users to sit in one position, which can strain their backs. Moreover, continuously sitting in that position for a long time can increase the risks of back pain. With the reclining feature of the wheelchair, the user can relax their back and stretch to a more comfortable position from time to time or when needed.
Tips in Choosing the Right Reclining Wheelchair for You
There are many factors to consider when choosing and buying a wheelchair. To help you make better decisions when choosing a reclining type, below are some tips:
- Consider the comfort the chair would provide. You can check the seat, cushion, and adjustable features for this.
- Check the degree of recline or tilt the specific wheelchair offers. Make sure it matches your needs. For instance, if you want easier access to hygiene activities, a wheelchair with a 180-degree recline is ideal.
- Remember that not all wheelchairs come in a “one size fits all” feature. Consider the user’s height and size.
- Always check the quality and durability of the wheelchair, especially if you want to use it for a long time.
- Consider your budget for the wheelchair as well as for its maintenance, accessories, modifications, etc. If you have a tight budget, stick to it.
Conclusion
Reclining wheelchairs are one of the most popular types of wheelchairs, especially when it comes to adult users. Their unique reclining feature offers many benefits, such as more comfortability, pressure sores relief, reduced hypotension, easier transfers, and reduced back pains. To choose the right one for you or your loved one, pay attention to the features. We’ve also listed some helpful tips above to help you.
For some product options, you can check out our reclining wheelchair collection. We offer quality wheelchairs with great features to accommodate every user’s needs!