Helping Loved Ones Stay Comfortable In Their Wheelchairs

Although modern electric wheelchairs are a hundred times more accommodating and functional than they were a few decades ago, it can still be difficult for people who use a wheelchair to feel comfortable all the time. These tips may help eliminate some of the discomfort caused by remaining in an upright position during the day and possibly help improve their overall quality of life.

Wear Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing is especially designed for wear by people with mobility issues and incorporates velcro closures instead of zippers, smoother seams or elimination of seams and pull-on capability facilitated by adding extra room to neck and arm areas.

Choose a Wheelchair that Accommodates Your Needs
The selection of wheelchairs available today is extensive and diverse. Since most of them can be customized to address a person’s unique needs, there is no need for anybody with mobility issues to suffer unnecessarily from an uncomfortable or inappropriately constructed wheelchair. Physicians suggest measuring a person’s body dimensions before purchasing a wheelchair and determining which support accessories (foot, arm and neck support, if necessary) are best suited to minimize discomfort for the user.

Amazing Wheelchair Accessories

• Arm rest pads made of sheepskin helps reduce friction and pressure that may tear sensitive skin and induce bed sores.
• Cushioned foam pads covered in easy-to-clean durable vinyl that can be attached to foot rests to provide extra support and improve posture.
• Wheelchair headrests that are adjustable (depth and height) for maximum comfort and can be attached without tools.
• Seat and back pads offering pressure management, no-skid bases and high-quality, antimicrobial materials.
• Weather chaps lined with removable fleece cover the lap, feet and leg snugly to keep wheelchair users warm and comfortable outside.

For more information about enhancing the wheelchair user’s experience as well as learning about the many mobility options available that can reinforce the user’s sense of independence and well-being, call FR Conversions today to speak to one of our friendly representatives.

5 Great Resources for People with Disabilities

Local, state and federal governments have a variety of resources available to people with all types of disabilities. Unfortunately, many of these services go unused because they are not well-known or disabled individuals and their loved ones don’t think such resources actually exist.

Here are five resources that may be able to provide some financial, legal, medical or psychological support to help you through a crises or just to improve your individual circumstances.

1.The National Disability Rights Network

The NDRN offers legal services for any U.S. citizen with a disability. Issues handled by this agency involve emergency management for the disabled, neglect/abuse cases, community integration and employment discrimination.

2. The U.S. Department of Educations Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

OSERS provides information and free education/ training programs to caregivers of disabled children as well as those who work with disabled children.

3. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD offers resources for individuals with disabilities who are seeking suitable housing that accommodates their disability. They also provide information regarding the rights of people with disabilities for adequate housing and helps implement financial aid programs to help pay for such housing.

4. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The NLS is a department of the Library of Congress that operates a free loan service consisting of Braille and recorded printed material, music written in Braille and playback equipment designed to play back audio materials. Direct services can be accessed through network of cooperating libraries.

5. Disability.gov–Just Dial 211

All 50 states utilize the 211 service, which connects people with disabilities to essential community services. Dialing 211 is free, confidential and gives you information about transportation services, health care, food pantries and more. In addition here is another link with more information that can help disabled individuals maintain the higher quality of life they deserve. Another helpful resource is the Disability Information and Resources website which you can visit here.

FR Conversions has been making mobility affordable since 2009 and specializes in low cost, simple, rugged wheelchair-accessible vans with rear entry conversions. With our focus on quality and user experience, we maximize space and use fewer proprietary parts for less costly and less complicated future vehicular repairs. Contact our accessibility experts today at 888-846-8624.