Simple Steps to Maintaining a Manual Wheelchair

Running a business that sells wheelchair parts, I often get asked questions on wheelchair maintenance – from changing tires, bearings, and upholstery, to caster forks and casters. Many times the questions come from people with chairs that are not very old. We love the questions and enjoy helping people fix whatever problem they may be having with their wheelchair. So much so we have written numerous buying guides for parts that include tips, tricks and instructions for many of the parts categories we sell. Some even include how-to videos.


Replacing a tire because you have used it up versus replacing a tire because it was underinflated and as a result it pinched in a doorway and blew out are different in that one of the replacements could have been avoided. The goal of this article is to generate awareness about simple things you can do to keep your wheelchair in top condition and provide years of service.

Here are some easy things you can do yourself (or with someone else) that will keep your wheelchair operating at peak performance:

• Periodically check the air pressure in your tires if you have air filled tires. Natural air loss through an inner tube is about 25% per month. Even if you don’t use your chair that much, the loss still occurs. Having low air pressure requires more effort on the push rims to get going and to maintain your momentum. It can also pose a safety risk by increasing your likelihood of getting a flat tire. In most cases a bicycle air pump is all that is needed.
• Inspect your casters and caster forks for debris and clean them as necessary. You may need to remove the caster or the fork to really get all of the debris out. I often see caster wheels and forks with all sorts of hair and debris wrapped around them. Not only does this keep the caster and caster fork from spinning freely, it causes premature wearing of the bearings. Typical wheelchairs have two bearings per caster fork and two bearings per caster wheel – that’s eight bearings on the front of your chair! Most bearings are low in price, but take that low price and multiply it by 8 and suddenly it’s not so low anymore.
• Inspect your rear wheels for debris wrapped around the axle. The rear wheels are less likely to have hair and debris wrapped around them but should be checked periodically and cleaned as necessary. Rear wheels generally have two bearings per wheel and keeping them clean helps ensure their longevity.
• If your wheelchair is a foldable type that can be transported, make sure that it unfolds smoothly all the way down into its locked position. If it won’t go all the way down, look for an obstruction like a positioning belt, wheelchair bag or pocket, straps, etc. Using a wheelchair that is not in its down and locked position can put strain on the various parts and may even cause the frame to bend.
• Check your upholstery regularly – look for rips or tears in the fabric especially around the secure points (screws). Check both the seat and the seat back. Make sure you have proper tension before sitting in it (unfolding the chair all the way down to its locked position).
• Inspect the wheel locks regularly. When you push or pull on the lever (depending on the type), it should go into the tire enough to keep it from moving. It is possible for a wheel lock to become loose and no longer provide the stopping power it once did. Most wheel locks can be adjusted back and forth with the turn of one bolt (the one that attaches the whole assembly to the chair). In most cases having the locking part set about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch back from the tire in the open position will ensure it locks properly. Never try and adjust any of the other bolts or screws as they are preset at the time of manufacture.
• Lastly, keep your wheelchair clean. Wipe it down with a disinfectant periodically. If you have a seat cushion, see if you can remove the cover to wash it.

Now I realize that if you are a wheelchair user, you may not be able to perform these tasks on your own. Consider partnering with someone such as a friend, loved one, or a caregiver to help.

The Reacher – An Indispensable Tool

When you have a temporary or permanent disability and are unable to bend low or reach high, everyday life can be a challenge.  I’m no longer able to bend my hips because of arthritis.  Recently while I was doing some cleaning around the house, I was reminded of how much I appreciate the reacher as an everyday tool.  In fact, I have a reacher in every room of the house, plus one I keep in my car.  Using a reacher has become second nature with me and it is easy to forget what an amazing invention it is.

What is a reacher? A reacher is an assistive device used to reach an object that is far away. You can pick things up from the floor or take things off a shelf (or put them back). You can use them to help you dress, do laundry, or perform any daily task that involves bending or reaching.

The two main types of reachers are the claw type and the suction cup type. They both work well picking up a variety of items such as a coin on a smooth floor or heavier items from a shelf. When purchasing a reacher, pay particular attention to the length that you select.  Longer reachers give you more range, but the longer the reacher, the heavier the item will feel when you pick it up.  Some reachers have claws that can rotate 360 degrees, or even have a magnet on the tip to help pick up lightweight metal items. Many suction cup reachers have a locking feature to keep the suction cups locked onto your item.

Most reachers work well for up to 1 pound in weight, but consider the size of the item to avoid an accident. Also, never use the reacher in a manner that brings the object you’re picking up over your head! If you lose your grip or the reacher fails, it could cause a serious accident.

The reacher is an inexpensive, yet indispensable tool for everyday tasks.

Choosing between a Walker and a Rollator

Why write about walkers and rollators you ask? I thought it would be a good article since our company gets asked sometimes which one is better. The better one depends on what your condition is and what your needs are. One thing is for sure: both can help you regain a little more freedom!


Walkers and rollators are similar in that they involve both hands to operate which helps provide a great deal of stability. If your doctor hasn’t recommended one or the other, here is a brief overview of what they are and what the main considerations are for most users.

Walkers:

Think of an open frame that you stand behind. Typical walkers are made from aluminum with some of the heavy duty models made from steel. Most walkers are height adjustable, have hand grips, and have rubber tips or skids at the end of the legs. Most of them fold up to a flat profile making them easy to take along while traveling. A walker works by picking up the weight a little and scooting it forward, allowing you to take an extra step, then putting your weight back down on it for stability. Some walkers come with wheels on the front legs making it easier to scoot the walker forward. The surface has to be relatively smooth to operate a walker safely.

Rollators:

A rollator is similar to a walker but with wheels, brakes, and on most models a seat. Some even have a basket for storing items while on the go. The seat is convenient allowing you to rest and most models fold up for easy portability. Rollators are available with 3 wheels (think tricycle), 4 wheels, and some with 6 wheels (the two rear wheels are paired with another). Many of the models with hand brakes have a parking brake feature making the rollator more stable while seated. They work much the same as pushing a shopping cart while holding onto the hand grips for stability.

Main Considerations for Most Users:

• Doctor’s advice – If you are under a doctor’s care, it is important to get their input. They may have certain requirements, or recommend something else.

• Operating environment – do you have the space to operate a walker or rollator safely in your home? Think ahead about all the places you will maneuver and make sure you have enough clearance. Steps are another concern – if you have steps to traverse for example, make sure you have a plan for getting up or down. Also keep in mind the terrain you will most commonly face. Larger diameter wheels on rollators work better in rough terrain such as grass or dirt roads. Walkers are very hard to operate on all but the smoothest surfaces.

• Do you travel? Most walkers and rollators fold for easier portability, but could you carry the weight of it if you had to, or could your companion or caregiver? And while rollators fold up, most of the models have a basket that doesn’t fold which may cause problems especially with getting on a plane.

• Realistically consider the proper size. Most walkers and rollators have a weight rating that must be followed for safe operation. This is especially true for rollators with a seat. Exceeding the weight limit could cause a potentially dangerous situation.

• Rollater braking – rollators all have some sort of braking system. Most have hand brakes or push down brakes. If you have hand brakes, can you squeeze the brake handle enough to apply brake pressure? Push down brakes work by applying weight to the handle so that a rubber stop will make contact with the ground and keep the rollator from moving forward.

So if you have a need for a walker or rollator and don’t have one yet, go out and get one. You won’t be disappointed!

A Few Words About Bathroom Safety

Bathroom safety is important for everyone, but it is especially important for someone with any type of permanent or temporary disability. If you think about it, the bathroom can present many dangers with sharp edges, slippery floors, limited spaces, etc. A large part of your independence rests on being able to use the bathroom in a safe way.

Primarily it boils down to stability and keeping your balance while performing basic tasks in the bathroom. Being able to safely get up from the toilet, get in and out of the bathtub, or enter or exit the shower is key to avoiding injury and being able to maintain your independence.

Two of the most basic ingredients to make your bathroom a safer place are grab bars and raised toilet seats. But there are others, such as bath seats, transfer benches, and hand-held showers.

• Wall grab bars - the great thing about these is that they offer the balance and stability right where you need it. They come in a variety of lengths and attach to the wall with screws. You could put one next to your toilet making it easier to get up or sit down, or one or two in the shower or bath allowing you a place to grip for added stability. They can be mounted at any angle. It's all up the user where to mount them but take great care to properly install them into wall studs or use heavy-duty wall anchors. If you are not comfortable installing grab bars, get professional help. Any handy person or contractor should be able to help. Improperly installed grab bars could end up being a safety hazard.

• Tub grab bars - typically these attach to the tub wall with clamps and rise above the tub by up to a foot or more allowing you a place to grip while you swing your leg over into the tub (or out of it). Most of the clamps are tightened by hand making them easy for just about anyone to install.

• Floor to ceiling pole grab bars - these work in many areas of the home but especially in the bathroom. They are simply wedged into place by twisting the pole. Since no drilling is required, you can take the pole down and move it to another location if you wish. Since they don't mount to the wall you could put one in front of toilet for example.

• Raised toilet seats - These simply attach to the toilet either with thumb screws (for locking models) or rest on top of the toilet with gravity holding it in place (the existing seat and cover is removed). A raised toilet seat can add up to 6" height to your toilet making it easier to sit down. They are easily removable for cleaning. Some models feature built-in handles that rise up on the sides for added grip while sitting down or standing up.

Devices like grab bars or raised toilet seats are an inexpensive and easy way to improve safety your bathroom. Take some time to investigate which of these items might be right for you!

Volunteering - A Win-Win For You and Your Community

Question: What activity can you take on that doesn’t cost anything, improves your health, gives you a feeling of empowerment, helps your community and has the potential to find cures for diseases? Answer: Volunteering.


I have previously written about strategies for coping with arthritis pain. One of those key strategies is getting involved with charitable work. I have been an advocate and fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation because I have arthritis and have a vested interest in seeing the Foundation succeed. Over the last 15 years I have seen how my involvement has impacted my physical well-being and my state of mind. I have seen it have a positive impact on countless others as well.

Win #1 – Volunteering Helps You Feel Better

A recent study published by UnitedHealthcare and VolunteerMatch indicated that more than 68% of people who volunteered in the past year said that volunteering made them feel physically healthier, and 29% of volunteers who suffer from a chronic condition say that volunteering has helped them manage their chronic illness. 73% of volunteers indicated that volunteering has lowered their stress levels.

Win#2 – Volunteering Helps You Connect with Others

Meeting and working with others who share a common interest or a similar physical challenge can be a truly enriching experience. The contacts you make will provide support, friendship and a shared sense of purpose.

Win#3 – Volunteering Helps Your Community

While you get a number of positive impacts that volunteering provides, so does the organization you are volunteering for. The enthusiasm that you can bring to an organization has a large impact on their bottom line, and that has an impact on the programs they provide in your community and research dollars they can provide to find treatments and cures. Over the long run your investment of time and energy can help others lead happier and healthier lives.

The best part of volunteering is that it can be done in your community and around your schedule. If you live in an area that doesn’t have an organization dedicated to a cause you are interested in, you can choose something else like a homeless shelter, a rescue mission, or a more general organization like the Kiwanis club which supports a variety of causes. Think about matching your personality and interests with the needs of an organization.

If you’re not sure where to look for an organization, start with the Internet. If you have a physical condition that has an associated non-profit organization, they should be easy to find. Also, http://www.volunteermatch.org/ is a great site where you can enter your zip code along with keywords describing the type of volunteering opportunity you are looking for, and then you can browse through different volunteer need links.

Going back to the survey results – 92% of volunteers agree that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life. So what are you waiting for? It’s a win-win for you and your community!

Safety Tips for Your Wheelchair or Scooter

Wheelchairs and scooters are great devices for staying mobile and leading an independent life. But across the U.S. there are thousands of injuries each year related to wheelchairs or scooters. Most of these injuries are caused by tips and falls, but other factors also contribute to these injuries, including uneven terrain or lack of appropriate home modifications, lack of proper equipment such as seatbelts/restraints and anti-tip devices, and inadequate maintenance of wheelchairs/scooters.

 

Here are a few safety tips to help you avoid becoming part of the injury statistics:

• Be smart! When operating your chair or scooter, always assume that no one sees you, whether on a sidewalk, street, or in a building
• If you are unsure that you can navigate the terrain in front of you, look for another way. Uneven terrain, steep inclines and declines, can pose problems. If you are with someone who is walking, have them scout out unfamiliar places before you
• Make sure that you are visible – especially in low light situations. Wear high visibility clothing, make sure your chair has reflective tape, and attach a bright, tall flag to your wheelchair or scooter
• Make sure your chair or scooter has the proper safety equipment – including seat belts and anti-tip devices
• When you are stopped, always use brakes or wheel locks to prevent movement
• Maintain your chair on a regular basis – if you have air-filled tires, make sure they are properly filled with air. Inspect your wheel locks, tires and caster bearings for wear. Check your brakes on a regular basis. If you don’t have a maintenance-free battery, check the fluid levels in each of the cells. If something needs replacing – replace it
• Make sure your home is able to support a chair or scooter. Home modifications can be extensive or may just involve moving the furniture around to provide easier access. You should have ramps even on small doorway thresholds
• If you travel, always state you are a disabled traveler when booking your travel plans. It’s better to know up front if hotels, airlines, taxis, etc. are able to accommodate you
• Never have someone tilt you back in your chair and push you down the steps one step at a time – get a ramp!
• Have a plan in the event of an accident. Are you with someone who can help? Do you have a cell phone handy? Do you have emergency phone numbers already programmed into your cell phone?

Partner up with a loved one, friend, or caregiver to help you practice these safety tips, and be safe out there!

5 Key Strategies for Coping with Arthritis Pain

Just as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, so is pain. When it comes to arthritis, pain is a part of everyday life, but it’s also different for each person. How someone with arthritis copes with that pain can make the difference between an active, happy life, and one filled with dread at the thought of getting up out of bed in the morning.

I am one of the 46 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 17 and have it in all of my major joints. Like many others, I am in constant pain, but I have refused to let it rule my life. Over the years I have learned a few key strategies for coping with pain which has allowed me to live my life to the fullest.

1. Get moving every day

Maybe it sounds counter-intuitive when you are in pain, but exercising, even if it’s only walking, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility. It can also reduce stress and improve sleep – which both help you to feel better. It’s no coincidence that a key slogan of the Arthritis Foundation is “Let’s move together.” How do you start?

• Talk to your doctor to get recommendations on the best exercises to help you. Don’t risk injuring yourself by trying things your body may not be able to handle
• Commit to moving every day. Sometimes you won’t feel like it, but even 10 minutes of walking will feel good, and once you hit the 10 minute mark you will probably want to keep going
• Get support from friends and family. They can be a source of encouragement and can exercise with you 

2. Find the treatment that works for you

Over the years, the number of treatments available for people with arthritis has dramatically increased. There are a number of new drugs, and the options for joint replacements continue to get more sophisticated and less invasive with shorter recovery times. Don’t just assume that because there is no cure for arthritis it means that there are no medical options available to help you manage the pain. The keys are to:

• See your doctor regularly
• Communicate in detail about how you are feeling, especially if your pain has changed in any way
• Ask lots of questions about available treatment options, particularly if you don’t believe your current treatment is effective
  

3. Have a positive outlook

Arthritis is a chronic condition, and until there is a cure, it’s going to always be there once you have it. You can either deal with it or complain. If you choose to deal with it using a strong positive attitude all the time, you will feel better. You can have the best doctor, the best medicine, good exercise and diet, but without a positive attitude, those other things won’t help you fully manage your pain. It’s easy to say, but harder to do. Here are a few ideas for developing a more positive outlook:

• Focus on what you can do – not what you can’t do. I was an avid skier and golfer when I was younger, and had to give up those sports because of my arthritis. Instead of dwelling on what I’ve lost, I choose to focus on all of the things I can do, like working on my car, working on projects around the house, or walking around the neighborhood
• Be grateful. Regardless of your specific situation, there is always something to be grateful for, whether it’s for your family, your friends, your home, or other aspects of your life. You can either be depressed that you have trouble doing something like bending and touching your toes, or grateful that you can walk
• Recognize that you are in control of your own destiny. Don’t be a victim to pain – use the recommendations in this article to take control and manage your pain. When you feel like you are playing an important role in affecting how you feel, it’s much easier to stay positive
  

4. Find products that make daily tasks easier

I admit that sometimes it’s challenging to keep a positive outlook when it seems that at every turn, doing the simplest things can be a challenge. Why spend time being frustrated when there are many inexpensive self-help products on the market that can help you with your daily tasks. Keep reachers handy if you have trouble bending. You can get a sock aid to make the process of putting on socks or nylons easy. There are literally thousands of products on the market designed specifically to help people with pain or limited mobility.

5. Get involved

With so many millions of people suffering from arthritis, there is a great need for increasing awareness about the disease and raising money for support programs and research. Did you know that more than 300,000 children have arthritis? How about that there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis?

Getting involved by volunteering and fundraising is one way to feel less like a victim of the disease and more empowered. You will also meet some wonderful people who can relate to what you are going through and provide invaluable support. The Arthritis Foundation is the main non-profit organization related to arthritis in the US and is always looking for enthusiastic advocates, volunteers and fundraisers, and they have offices all around the country. Various studies have also shown that volunteering can have many positive impacts on your health, including preventing depression, reducing the chance of some illnesses, and even extending your life!

Set a goal for yourself to start implementing these strategies, and start feeling better!