Wheelchair lifts aid the transportation of an electric or power wheelchair into a vehicle. There is a wide selection of wheelchair lifts available ranging from mechanical models to fully-assisted electric types where all the person has to do is push a button.

There are some wheelchair lifts that carry the wheelchair fastened on a hitch on the vehicle’s rear while there are other types that can lift the unit into the trunk or back of the vehicle. You need to make sure that the type of wheelchair lift you purchase will work with your vehicle. Each individual will have different needs so it is best to ask advice from experts.

They will be able to tell you if the combination of your vehicle make and model is suitable to the wheelchair lift you plan to use. If you are planning to purchase online, most vendors will have information about purchasing wheelchair lifts that can help you make your choice.

Most manual wheelchair lifts can be installed without professional help and by just one person. To install manual lift, simply slide it into a hitch on your vehicle’s back. Installing electric or power wheelchair lifts may need the services of a reputable car mechanic as installation usually involves some drilling into the vehicle’s trunk and, possibly, wiring of the unit to the vehicle’s battery. You can check available installation services with a vendor prior to making your purchase.

Aside from wheelchair lifts for vehicles there are wheelchair lifts for home use that can benefit people on a wheelchair. A domestic wheelchair lift, also known as a vertical lift or platform lift, can be installed in any downstairs area where it can move vertically through a space in the ceiling to reach a room above. The lift can be parked at either the ground or upper level when not in use. These wheelchair lifts have fire safety features, and emergency back-up systems in case of a power failure.

Enclosed vertical wheelchair lifts are the ones suitable for use with an attendant or any standing person inside the cabin. You can also consider installing multi-purpose seats and a powered door. These wheelchair lifts also feature a fixed slightly inclined ramp for easy access. Consider the types with free-standing design, which allows installation in different kinds of location.

The vertical wheelchair lift will be flat-packed when delivered for easy transportation and entry into your home. Installation of the unit is typically part of the vendor’s customer service.

These days, more and more buildings and establishments give special care for the handicapped. They construct ramps for entering the building and install automatic doors on public toilets. However, the latest and most advanced technology for the handicapped is the use of a wheelchair lift.

A wheelchair lift is a mechanical system powered by the use of electricity and hydraulics. This helps disabled people to go to a higher ground level that until this device can only be reached using stairs. The disabled person will slowly place the wheelchair on the platform of the wheelchair lift and by pushing the power button the wheelchair lift will slowly move the platform up to a higher floor.

There are other functions of a wheelchair lift like carrying the disabled person onto a vehicle, onto a patio, a porch or onto any elevated place that has no access to a ramp. A wheelchair lift can be installed permanently in an area where it is needed or if you want, you can also install a portable wheelchair lift in a place where you need it for temporary use.

These portable wheelchair lifts are normally available in public establishments and buildings to attend to the needs of disabled guests. Some older buildings do not have ramps due to cramped hallways and small spaces.

The use of a wheelchair lift can be very helpful to a disabled person, allowing him or her to enter the doorstep, which is usually elevated, or go upstairs without the help of anyone else. A wheelchair lift can also be installed on vehicles. Different vehicles are fitted with mechanical, hydraulic lifts that can save time and effort and most important of all, can eliminate the complexity of manually transferring the disabled person while sitting on the wheelchair.

Using a wheelchair lift is very useful for a physically-challenged person as it enables easy transport to an elevated area. Using a wheelchair lift at home or on a vehicle can really mean a difference. However, the wheelchair lift should meet the standards of the American with Disabilities Act. Careful evaluation and study on the features and benefits of installing a wheelchair lift can help eliminate your concerns about investing in these devices.

There are a lot of wheelchair lift manufacturers that you can visit. You can go to their showrooms and can ask for product information. If you know someone who already has a wheelchair lift, it is better to try it yourself and also ask that person for any feedback on it.

Wheelchairs are wonderful mechanical or electronic contraptions for people with disabilities and mobility problems. The seemingly easy task of choosing the appropriate wheelchair can be a little more complicated than one would initially think. This is mainly because there are actually a lot of considerations to take into account such as body weight, terrain, and specific needs of the user - which explains the fact the customized wheelchairs are becoming increasingly popular these days.

When it comes to choosing wheelchair cushions, it also requires careful assessment than just merely settling on the first one you get your hands on. This is not merely to address the patient’s comfort but also for medical reasons as well, since they are confined into sitting position that can potentially damage the spine and result to other complications. The rule of the thumb when choosing wheelchair cushions is to choose one that is no more than three fingers thicker to ensure supreme comfort and ease.

There are four basic types of wheelchair cushions that you can choose from: gel, foam, air flotation and the urethane honeycomb. Among the most popular choices are the foams, mainly due to its longevity in the industry. The best type of foam would be ones that can provide maximum support while easily adapting to the shape of the user. While this is a viable option, the main downside of foams is the fact that it has a high tendency to wear out easily and lose its shape. This is simply not the one you want for long-term and heavy use.

Another variety is the gel cushions that are specifically designed to provide a substitute to the consistency of the atrophied muscles. The gel fluids are usually place in pouches and are attached to the top of the foam base. This is much heavier than other types of cushions and can add to the total weight of the lightweight wheelchair. Another drawback of gel cushions is the possibility of leaking. The air flotation types provide support to the body by air alone. This not recommended for people that move a lot in their chairs since it doesn’t provide as much stability as their other types. It requires more maintenance and leaking is a real possibility when pricked. The last type would be the thermoplastic urethane honeycomb wheelchair cushions, which is highly capable of distributing body weight with ease. In is patterned similarly to the beehive structure with many open spaces to allow air to travel efficiently. Unlike other varieties, it is light and capable of absorbing shocks. This makes it one of the most highly supported wheelchair cushion in the industry today.

Wheelchairs are available in various shapes and sizes with plenty of options that allow a wheelchair user to find the exactly what they need. Wheelchair accessories are designed to provide greater comfort and convenience not only in the use of the wheelchair but also in performing daily activities.

One of the most important wheelchair accessories is a seat cushion. Make sure to get one that will fit your needs exactly because a poor choice can result in pressure sores as well as encourage incorrect posture that can lead to all sorts of neck and back problems.

A good cushion should support the correct sitting posture, which may be critical for people with neuromuscular diseases or difficulties in swallowing. In general, good posture aids respiration and circulation which is why choosing a seat cushion carefully is important.

While wheelchair accessibility is a usual consideration for most public buildings today there are still many places that have not yet made any changes to their structures to accommodate wheelchair users and, of course, private homes are usually not wheelchair accessible. Fortunately, there are wheelchair accessories such as wheelchair ramps that have been designed to help the wheelchair user to get to where they need to be.

These wheelchair accessories are also what a person on a wheelchair user needs to get in and out a vehicle or to go up a stairs. A wheelchair lift, on the other hand, carries the wheelchair from one floor to an upper floor. Hydraulic lifts offer a smooth ride and works even during a power failure. Electrical wheelchair lifts cost less but are also comfortable. Make sure to get one with an emergency back-up system for use in a power outage. There are also stair lifts and automotive lifts.

As you can see there is a wide selection of modern wheelchair ramps and lifts but with a little patience you would be able to find wheelchair accessories suitable to your needs.

Some more wheelchair accessories that you can purchase include wheelchair restraints to secure the wheelchair when being transported in a car or van, mounts for laptops and other devices, adjustable hand control, voice-activated controls and wheelchair covers and locks.

Other practical wheelchair accessories include support devices to aid in sitting, slip prevention, head support and leg elevation as well as back cushions, hand gloves and protective padding for legs, arms and elbows.

All of these wheelchair accessories will provide wheelchair users more comfort, convenience and security and will, ultimately, enhance their quality of life.

Usually, a disabled person has to rely on family and friends to drive them to work or to any other location and while their loved ones gladly offer their help, it would be great for everyone if the disabled person has a wheelchair accessible van. A wheelchair van offers convenience in transporting a person on a wheelchair and there are types that can driven by a wheelchair user, giving the person a sense of independence.

Wheelchair vans allow a disabled person who is qualified to drive to become self-sufficient when it comes to transportation. The person can go to the mall, run errands for a family member, or even drive someone to work or to school or to any other place.

However, a wheelchair is expensive. Even converting a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair can be costly. Fortunately, there are used wheelchair vans that make it possible for a disabled person to afford this vehicle.

To start searching for used wheelchair vans, you can check with car dealers in your area and surf the Internet. An ideal find would be a van that is available at a dealer near you. You may also want to look for used wheelchair vans with low mileage and built-in features such as wheelchair restraints and hand controls.

If it is a challenge to search for used wheelchair vans in your local area, look for dealers that offer delivery services. However, you need to make sure to make your purchase with a reputable vendor to ensure that they will indeed deliver your vehicle. If you are fortunate to find a used wheelchair van locally, ask a friend or a family member to test-drive the vehicle.

Modifications to used wheelchair vans can be done by a local auto mechanic but these vehicles typically will have adequate equipment to accommodate the needs of a wheelchair user. The original owners of used wheelchair vans often have progressive debilitating conditions that eventually lead to the inability to drive with a hand-control device.

Consequently, used wheelchair vans are only about a couple of years old when their original owners had to put them up for sale so many tends to have low mileage. Since the vans are already converted to carry wheelchair users, they are already equipped for use of a new owner.

Used wheelchair vans can also be leased or rented should you have a need for one but unable to make an outright purchase. There are plenty of used wheelchair vans for lease or for rent at affordable rates for convenient transportation of a disable person.

A power wheelchair is another term for a motor-driven or motorized wheelchair, which is an alternative to a standard manual wheelchair that requires human power. A power wheelchair offers greater speed and mobility to people with injuries or disabilities that limit movement. It is usually recommended for people with permanent or long-term immobility.

Because a power wheelchair has more advanced features, you can expect it to be more expensive than a manual wheelchair. The cost can be anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 for a really sophisticated unit. Fortunately, for those with Medicare insurance, they may be able to take advantage of a Medicare benefit that covers the cost of a purchasing a power wheelchair.

However, the wheelchair Medicare must determine first that the wheelchair use requires assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, and going to the toilet. The person must also be unable to use other mobility aids such as a cane, a walker or a manual wheelchair in order to qualify. Optionally, some private insurance companies can also cover a power wheelchair purchase.

One disadvantage of a typical power wheelchair, aside from being pricey, is that it cannot be folded. Therefore, when car traveled is needed a user must have enough space on his or her vehicle and if the user must travel by plane, he or she may need to purchase an extra manual wheelchair.

If you plan to get a power wheelchair for yourself or a family member, the user must first consult a physician because certain features may need to be modified to accommodate the user’s physical capabilities. For instance, if the user has no grip in the hands then the joystick control must be modified to allow some other functioning part of the body to operate the power wheelchair.

A power wheelchair has different features and sizes to accommodate anybody with the need to use this device. Comfort is a top priority and there are numerous wheelchair parts and accessories that can be added to the power wheelchair to offer greater support and comfort such as arm rests, seat covers, shower seats, wheelchair ramps and many others.

It is important to take extra care when operating a power wheelchair because this device can go at very high speeds. Always put on the manufacturer’s seat belt when using it. Be careful around children as they may mistake the joystick control unit for a toy and this can be very dangerous. Being aware of the surroundings and always proceeding with care will ensure safety for the user and others.

Ordinarily, traveling can put unnecessary strain on individuals. You can just imagine the amount of strain people with disabilities have to go through traveling from point A to point B. People with wheelchairs are of course suffering from limited mobility and inconvenience on having to move around with a bulky contraption. However, this is not an entirely impossible endeavor. In fact, a lot of incapacitated seasoned travelers have learned to navigate without much aid and assistance – and so can you.

The prospect can be a little daunting, but like any other aspect in life let not your fear and apprehension paralyze your will to achieve what would seem to be a simple task. It would be helpful if you have some handy tips that can ensure that people with wheelchairs like you can travel with minimum fuss. When booking your flight, it would be advisable to choose an agent who has had similar situations of planning trips for people with wheelchairs. Experience would educate them on what important considerations should be taken into account with arranging flights for a disabled person. Make reservations well ahead of time so you can avail of premium service such as choosing the best flight that you can take. Choose an airline plane that has 30 seats or more for maximum accessibility and as much as possible avoid flights with changeovers. It would be a sensible idea if you can call ahead and tell the reservation agent that you are traveling with a wheelchair so they can make special arrangements. It would also be practical to request for some arrangements and assistance during boarding and an aisle chair to help you get to your designated set more easily.

If you are using an electronic wheelchair, since wet batteries will be required to be removed and put into storage in a different container. As you might have already realized by now, traveling people with wheelchairs is not an entirely alien idea after all. Whoever said that you would need to live your life in utter misery, right? With careful planning and an exercise for precaution, you can go to any place that you wish to visit. After all, it’s not as if you’re actually doomed to stay in one place. Yea, you may be confined in a wheelchair but you simply cannot allow it to hinder you into enjoying the simple joys such as traveling.