When I was still walking on crutches, I didn’t even think much about wheelchairs for sale. As long as I had a folding wheelchair to take me places like the mall, I was good. Then, due to health concerns, I sat down in a wheelchair permanently about eight years ago. Now, when I think of a sale, it takes on a whole new meaning.
One Size Fits All
Recently, my church got a wheelchair for the people that might come to church who have trouble on the ice, walk with a cane, or just need extra help. Because people come in all sizes, they got a wheelchair for sale that was extra wide and extra sturdy. While this is a good plan for the occasional user, it is not the best idea for someone like me that has to sit all day long, every day.
When looking at wheelchairs for sale, it’s important to find one that truly fits. For example, even with a cushion, if the chair doesn’t fit me correctly behind the knees, my legs will eventually hurt or go numb as they fall asleep. Of course, this means that my circulation is bad, and I am in trouble.
Another problem is my back. If the chair doesn’t fit correctly, my back and hips will start to hurt, and I am constantly trying to shift my weight, in order to reduce pressure points. Then, there are the armrests to consider. If the armrests don’t fit properly, even the best wheelchair for sale will become uncomfortable over time.
Finding the Best Wheelchair for Sale
Finding the right wheelchair takes time and effort. But, if you are like me, and you have to sit all day, it is definitely worth it. When I got my new wheelchair last year, a gentleman measured me all over, and I do mean all over. He measured the length from my hip to my knee, my back, and even around my chest. He recorded the length of my arms from my shoulders to my elbow and from there to my hand. Then, he measured how my legs normally angle as I sit, and the distance from the floor that the footrests would have to be, in order to maintain proper leg comfort.
In all honesty, I had to let this stranger get very personal with me, in order to find the right wheelchair for sale. But, it was worth it. I can honestly say that the difference between my old wheelchair and the new one is like the difference between a compact car and a luxury vehicle.
So, next time you are checking out wheelchairs for sale, think about how much time you will actually be sitting in it. If it’s just for the occasional trip to the mall, I guess it doesn’t really matter. But, if you are essentially living in the chair, make sure it fits comfortably, so you don’t have serious health concerns in the future. Then, you will know what I mean about the “luxury car” of wheelchairs.