Hailey Tran
Hospital wheelchairs are essential for patient care and staff work. They are used by patients who are unable to walk due to illness, injury, or disability. The cost of a wheelchair can vary depending on its type, features, and customization. Manual wheelchairs are generally more affordable and require less maintenance, while power wheelchairs are more expensive and suitable for patients without the upper body strength to propel themselves. To ensure patient safety, it is important to adjust the wheelchair properly, including the leg and armrests, and to lock the wheels and lift the footplates during transfers. Additionally, hospitals face the challenge of keeping track of their wheelchairs to prevent loss or theft, with some implementing real-time tracking systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair type | Manual or power |
| Manual wheelchair type | Standard, reclining, or custom |
| Power wheelchair price range | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Manual wheelchair price range | $100 to $500 or several thousand dollars for custom |
| Wheelchair tracking system | Bluetooth Low Energy tags, gateways, or indoor navigation system |
| Wheelchair adjustment | Leg rest length, arm rest removal |
| Wheelchair folding | Stand in front with feet shoulder-width apart, bend at hips and knees, grab seat frame, pull up seat, push armrests together |
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$129.99 $159.99
$81.68 $99
What You'll Learn
Manual vs. power wheelchairs
When choosing between a manual and a power wheelchair, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, manual wheelchairs are generally more affordable, with prices ranging from \$100 to \$500 for a basic model, while custom manual wheelchairs can cost several thousand dollars. In contrast, power wheelchairs are significantly more expensive, with prices ranging from \$1,000 to \$10,000. They may also require costly maintenance and repairs due to their electrical systems and complex parts. Therefore, power wheelchairs are typically not recommended for short-term use.
Manual wheelchairs offer greater portability and ease of transportation. They are lightweight, foldable, and can fit into most standard-sized automobile trunks. This makes them a convenient option for travel and storage. On the other hand, power wheelchairs tend to be bulkier and may require a special vehicle with a lift or ramp for transportation. However, newer power wheelchair models have been introduced that can also fold for easier transport.
The level of physical strength and stamina required is another important consideration. Manual wheelchairs rely on the user's upper body strength and endurance to propel and manoeuvre the chair, particularly for long-distance or all-day use. This may pose a challenge for individuals with limited upper body strength. In contrast, power wheelchairs are self-propelled and drivable with little effort, making them suitable for individuals who may not have the physical capacity to operate a manual wheelchair. Power wheelchairs offer greater ease of use, especially when navigating hills, curves, and uneven surfaces.
The level of independence desired is also a factor to consider. Power wheelchairs provide greater independence as they do not require assistance from a caregiver. The user can control the speed and direction of the power wheelchair using a joystick. Manual wheelchairs, on the other hand, may require the assistance of a caregiver for individuals who cannot self-propel the chair.
Additionally, the specific needs and circumstances of the user play a crucial role in the decision-making process. Power wheelchairs often feature more seat padding and support, making them a preferable option for individuals with painful chronic conditions. They also provide smoother movements and reduce the jarring motions associated with manual wheelchairs. However, manual wheelchairs may be sufficient for individuals who only require part-time or shorter-distance wheelchair use.
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Adjusting the leg rest
To adjust the leg rest length, start by unlatching the lever below the adjustment holes. Then, press the two buttons into the adjustment holes simultaneously. This will release the bar, allowing you to slide it up or down to adjust the length according to the user's leg length. Ensure that the leg rest is set at a height that provides comfort and prevents pressure sores. Secure the leg rest by pushing the buttons or levers back into place until you hear a click, indicating that it is locked securely.
If you need to remove the leg rest, find the lever on the inside and push it toward the front of the wheelchair. Swing the leg rest as far forward as possible, then pull the lever all the way forward. Finally, lift the leg rest straight up and off the hanger pins. When reattaching the leg rest, ensure that the footplate is pointing toward the inside of the chair. Line up the holes in the leg rest with the hanger pins on the wheelchair, and hook them securely into place.
Elevating leg rests can be a medical necessity for some users, aiding in reducing swelling and improving blood circulation. It is important to adjust the footplate angle so that the user's feet rest flat without tilting. Additionally, test the leg rests by applying light pressure to ensure they are stable and securely attached.
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Removing the arm rest
While armrests can be useful for wheelchair users, they may not be necessary for everyone. Armrests can provide support and stability, especially for those with poor trunk control. They can also help with balance and contain the user within the wheelchair. Additionally, they can aid in stability when reaching or picking things up from the floor and can be used as push-off points for pressure-relieving weight lifts or shifts. However, armrests can also have some drawbacks. They can make it difficult to get close to tables or desks and add weight and complexity to the wheelchair. They may also interfere with wheelchair propulsion, especially if the wheelchair is overly wide or the user has limited reach.
If you decide to remove the armrests from a hospital wheelchair, it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure the process is safe and does not damage the wheelchair. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove the armrests:
- Assess the armrest type: Before removing the armrests, identify the type of armrests your wheelchair has. They may have moveable parts that allow for height adjustment, swinging away, or flipping back. Understanding the specific features of your armrests will help you determine the best approach for removal.
- Prepare the necessary tools: Gather any tools or hardware that may be required for the removal process. This could include screwdrivers, Allen keys, or other tools specific to your wheelchair model.
- Loosen the screws: Locate the screws or other fasteners that secure the armrests to the wheelchair frame. Using the appropriate tool, carefully loosen these screws without completely removing them. This will allow you to adjust and remove the armrests without losing the necessary hardware.
- Adjust the armrest position: If your armrests have movable parts, adjust them to the swinging away or flipping back position. This will help you detach the armrests from the frame more easily.
- Detach the armrests: Once the screws are loosened and the armrests are in the desired position, carefully detach the armrests from the wheelchair frame. Pay attention to any locking mechanisms or tension tabs that may be holding the armrests in place. Gently disengage these mechanisms to ensure a smooth and safe removal process.
- Store the armrests safely: After removing the armrests, find a suitable place to store them. Keep the screws or other hardware together with the armrests so that you can easily reinstall them if needed.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove the armrests from a hospital wheelchair. Remember to consider your individual needs and preferences when deciding to remove the armrests, as they can provide stability and support for certain users.
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Folding the wheelchair
Folding a wheelchair is a simple process, but it can be tricky if you're doing it for the first time. Most wheelchairs fold and unfold in the same way, but there can be small variations between models. Here's a step-by-step guide to folding a wheelchair:
First, lock the brakes to prevent the wheelchair from rolling away while you're folding it. Typically, you can engage the brakes by pushing small levers located in front of the rear wheels towards the wheels. Make sure to check your wheelchair model's specific procedure by consulting the manufacturer's instructions.
Next, you'll want to remove any detachable parts that could hinder the folding process. This includes footrests, armrests, and footplates. For example, to remove the footplates, grab them from the front and push the left footplate to the left and the right footplate to the right. If your wheelchair has armrests, do the same with them.
Now, you can start folding the wheelchair. Stand directly in front of the wheelchair and grab the seat with one hand on the front and the other on the back. Hold the seat firmly, and then slowly lift it towards the middle to fold the wheelchair. As you do this, the wheels will move closer together. If the chair is resistant, apply more pressure to the seat.
Once the wheelchair is folded, be careful when lifting it, especially if the rear wheels cannot be removed. If the wheelchair does not have a latch mechanism, the frame will be free to rotate, and you may injure yourself if you grasp the unlocked rear wheels. In this case, it may be helpful to use a strap to secure the folded wheelchair before lifting it.
Finally, if you need to further reduce the weight and size of the wheelchair, you can remove the rear wheels. On most models, there is a locking pin located above the centre of the wheel. Press down on the pin and hold it in place while pulling the wheel outward and off the chair.
By following these steps, you'll be able to easily fold a hospital wheelchair for storage or transportation. Remember to always handle the wheelchair with care and be mindful of your fingers to prevent any pinching or injuries.
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Tracking the wheelchair
Wheelchair tracking systems can be designed to be low-power and affordable. One such system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. BLE tags, represented as badges, cards, or tags, can be attached to wheelchairs. These tags help track the movement of the wheelchair in real time, with an accuracy of about 3 feet. BLE gateways, or low-power antennas, are used to connect to Bluetooth-based equipment and capture the signals sent by the tags. The signals are then forwarded to the cloud for processing, and the location of the wheelchair can be detected on a tracking platform.
Another company, Navigine, offers a platform for efficient equipment tracking in hospitals. Their system can locate objects with an accuracy of 3-5 meters and can save the history of movements. It can also highlight various zones in the hospital, such as patient rooms, emergency rooms, surgery rooms, and clinics. Additionally, an indoor navigation system can be integrated to find the shortest route to the wheelchair.
Overall, the implementation of wheelchair tracking systems in hospitals can increase staff efficiency, improve patient satisfaction, and minimize the costs associated with lost assets.
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Frequently asked questions
To set up a hospital wheelchair, first ensure that the wheelchair is on a level surface and that the brakes are locked. Adjust the leg rest length by unlatching the lever below the adjustment holes and pressing the two buttons into the holes simultaneously. Release the bar and slide it up or down to adjust the length. Secure the lever back into place once the leg rest is at the desired length.
To remove the armrest, press the levers or buttons at the front and back of the armrest simultaneously. Pull the armrest straight up and out. To put the armrest back on, slot the front and back parts of the armrest back into their posts.
Stand in front of the wheelchair with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight, bend at your hips and knees, and grab the seat frame with both hands. Slowly pull up the seat, ensuring your fingers aren't pinched. Push the armrests towards each other to fully close the wheelchair.
