Accessories for wheelchairs – what expansions enhance the functionality?
Properly aligned accessories can enhance comfort and convenience of the wheelchair, making it much more functional. As such, they have the ability to greatly improve the user’s overall experience. What wheelchair accessories are the most useful and why is it important to make sure they comply with the quality standards applicable in the field of medical devices?
The importance of wheelchair accessories for the comfort of the users
Modifying the wheelchair by applying properly fitted accessories helps adjust the medical device to the individual needs of the user. It can considerably enhance the mobility of physically impaired people and improve their general safety, leading to the increase of independence and social inclusion. Moreover, a wheelchair fitted with proper accessories offers more support and is less prone to falling and causing injuries to the user. In short, wheelchair accessories are beneficial for mobility impaired people, as they help them function with more ease and regain control over their lives.
What accessories can improve the daily life of a wheelchair user?
Among the accessories which can greatly improve the daily life of a wheelchair user, the most notable are seat belts, anti tippers, and foot boards.
Seat belts
Wheelchair seat belts reduce the risk of injury in case of a fall. They are a type of restraints designed to secure and properly position the wheelchair user. Seat belts maintain the pelvis in the most neutral alignment possible, provide stability, and prevent the patient from experiencing excessive movement or sliding out of the wheelchair. There are three types of wheelchair seat belts available on the market:
- lap belts, which secure the lower body of a wheelchair user and effectively prevent them from sliding forward or tipping out of the chair,
- chest belts, known also as torso belts and shoulder straps, which secure the wheelchair user’s upper body, stopping them from sliding forward and leaning sideways,
- four-point harnesses, which are a combination of lap belts and chest belts and prevent the wheelchair user from sliding forward, leaning sideways, and tipping.
Seat Belt
Anti tippers
Anti tippers are a form of wheelchair stabilizer. They prevent the chair from tipping over, making it more steady. Anti tippers provide the user with additional support and security, especially on uneven terrain and slopes. They are easy to install, as no modifications are required during the fitting process, retractable if necessary, and accessible for both the wheelchair user and the caregiver. Anti tippers are also easily adjustable and can be fitted to various wheelchair models and sizes, responding to the individual needs of the user.
Foot boards
Foot boards provide stable support for the feet and protect the legs in case of a collision, which ensures the safety of the wheelchair user. They also stiffen the lower part of the wheelchair, which leads to the strengthening of its frame structure.
All wheelchair accessories come in various sizes, shapes, and styles to fit different wheelchair models. They are also customizable and can be adjusted to the individual needs of the user.
Why is it worth making sure the wheelchair accessories are compliant with ISO quality standards?
All medical accessories need to be manufactured in compliance with strict regulations and standards applicable in the field of medical devices and wheelchair accessories are no different. These regulations were implemented in order to ensure the safety of the users. Wheelchair accessories manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards are consistent, high quality products that meet applicable regulatory requirements and will surely please even the most demanding customer.
