Mobility Aids

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair selection is more nuanced than most families expect when they first face the need. Transport wheelchairs (pushed by a caregiver) differ substantially from self-propelled models; both differ from power wheelchairs. Key factors: seat width, seat-to-floor height, weight (especially for transport in vehicles), footrest type, and whether the user has any self-propulsion capacity. Medicare and insurance coverage adds a layer of complexity — funding source often constrains which models are accessible. The guides here cover manual transport chairs, lightweight self-propelled models, power wheelchairs, and reclining options for users who cannot sit upright for extended periods. An occupational therapy assessment is strongly recommended before purchasing a power wheelchair; fit matters more than feature count.