Power wheelchairs are beneficial to both people with mobility issues and to those who take care of them. But, to be honest, despite their advancements, power wheelchairs can still be quite hard to use, even for caregivers. Luckily, with the advancement of technology and designs, there are now compact power wheelchairs.
Learn more about how these types of wheelchairs improve the overall caregiving experience. Find out what features and benefits they offer that make them one of the best wheelchairs in the market. It might be the one you need for you and your loved one!
The Role of Caregivers in Supporting Wheelchair Users
People with mobility issues benefit from the right support and care from family members and caregivers. Specifically, those who use wheelchairs can continue living happy lives. Caregiving provides a lot for them, including:
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Assistance With Transfers
Wheelchair users may need assistance when getting in and out of their wheelchairs. Someone who knows how to do it can make the process easier and safer. They can also prevent the user from further injuring themselves.
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Provide Mobility Support
They can push or move the wheelchair when needed. In terms of power wheelchairs, they can help ensure that the wheelchair is charged and working properly so the user can enjoy a secure and smooth ride.
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Promote Safety
It can be hard for people in wheelchairs to be fully aware of their surroundings and potential hazards, like uneven surfaces or obstacles. With a caregiver at bay, they can ensure that the user is safe in their chair when navigating different places and surfaces.
What are Compact Power Wheelchairs?
In general, power wheelchairs are also what you call electric or power chairs. Unlike manual or regular wheelchairs, they use power from batteries to move instead of using manual strength. Compact electric wheelchairs are power wheelchairs that come in compact sizes and designs.
Here are some of their unique features that are far different or better from other types of power wheelchairs:
- Foldable
- Lightweight
- Maneuverable
- Durable
- Portable
Benefits of a Compact Power Wheelchair in Caregiving
Caregiving for people with mobility issues isn’t an easy task. But with the use of compact wheelchairs, everything’s better. Here are the main benefits these wheelchairs have when it comes to caregiving:
Easy to Transport
Compact wheelchairs become compact when they’re folded. Because of their folded compact sizes, mostly about 30 inches in length, width, and height, they’re easy to fit into trunk spaces. This makes them easy to carry and bring with you when traveling. Not only in cars but even in airlines and cruise ships—they come in sizes that are easy to store, like normal luggage.
They also have removable parts, like the battery, making transporting it easier for a caregiver. This makes it easier and more convenient for the people around you who assist you to travel with you. Once you reach your destination, you’ll still be able to use the wheelchair.
Versatility
There are also compact power chairs that function as manual wheelchairs when their batteries are out of charge, like Vive Health’s Compact Power Wheelchair. If this ever happens during a trip and when outdoors, it would be easy for caregivers to switch to manual mode so they can assist the user conveniently. The combination of both power and manual functionalities makes these chairs practical and reliable for individuals with various mobility needs.
Uses Battery for Power
Regular, manual wheelchairs need the strength of the user or the caregiver to move the wheelchair. They must use their force to push through different places and turn in different directions. This can take a toll on the caregiver’s physical health. It can tire them out and even strain their body.
But with a compact power wheelchair, less effort and force are needed. The wheelchair uses the battery to propel and move itself so the user and the caregiver can save energy and strength. Plus, it doesn’t run out of force and stability when doing so. This is most evident when climbing or going over steep inclines, which is extremely hard to do with manual wheelchairs since you need to push the weight of the wheelchair user and the wheelchair.
Provides More Independence
A compact power wheelchair can help people with mobility issues reclaim their independence. This is mainly because it’s easier to use without much help from a caregiver than a manual wheelchair. They can use propel and move it around with its joystick control. This lessens the responsibility on the caregiver's part. They don’t always need to stick by their side and assist them with everything.
Lightweight
Because of their compact sizes, these types of wheelchairs are mostly lightweight as well. They’re made with lighter materials and components, like lightweight aluminum. This makes it easier for caregivers to lift and carry them when needed, like storing the wheelchair or carrying it to the car when traveling.
Assembly Convenience
Aside from being easy to fold, a compact power chair is also easy to assemble. They usually come pre-assembled and ready to use when bought. But, if you need to put it back together after folding it away, it would typically take just one upward lifting of the back of the chair to unfold it. There’s no need for tools, so caregivers can easily set one up.
Safety Features
Many compact wheelchairs have safety features that the user and caregiver can use. These include seat belts, adjustable footrests, better braking systems, and anti-tippers. This makes it easy for the caregiver to ensure that the wheelchair user is secure and stable while using the wheelchair. For instance, the brakes are beneficial when assisting the user in and out of the wheelchair when necessary.
Conclusion
Caregiving provides a lot of support and care to people with mobility issues. However, using compact power wheelchairs improves the overall caregiving experience. It makes everything more convenient and safer for the wheelchair user and the caregiver.
For the best wheelchair options, you can visit our compact power wheelchair collection. We have a wide selection of high-quality, durable power wheelchairs for mobility and caregiving needs!