Why Would Someone Use A Wheelchair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The wheelchair is one of the most commonly used

assistive devices to promote mobility and enhance quality of life for people who have difficulties in walking

(e.g. a person with spinal cord injuries resulting in quadriplegia or paraplegia, muscular dystrophy,etc).

When should someone use a wheelchair?


If you have temporary or permanent disabilities

, you may benefit from a wheelchair prescription. For instance, a paraplegic who has no feeling in their legs may require a wheelchair for the rest of their life. A person with broken bones may need a wheelchair prescription until injuries have healed.

What injuries require a wheelchair?

Common wheelchair injuries include

soft tissue and nerve damage, sprains and strains, abrasions, and contusions

, as well as injuries to the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, and wrist. More serious injuries like fractures, head injuries, and brain injuries can also result.

What should you not say to someone in a wheelchair?

  • I HOPE YOU HAVE A LICENSE FOR THAT THING! …
  • YOU SHOULD REALLY GET A HORN. …
  • CAN I GET A RIDE? …
  • SO WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? …
  • YOU’RE SO INSPIRING! …
  • HERE… …
  • I’M SO SORRY… …
  • CAN YOU DATE/KISS/DO “IT”?

What kind of people use wheelchairs?

  • Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Amputations.
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cerebral Palsy (CP)
  • Diabetes.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Muscular Dystrophy.
  • Parkinson’s Disease.

Do you need a prescription to get a wheelchair?


You do not need a prescription to buy or use a wheelchair

. The reason you would need a prescription for a wheelchair is if you’re looking to use an insurance benefit to cover the costs of your wheelchair. … A doctor’s prescription will be required to receive insurance coverage.

Who is the famous person in a wheelchair?

1.

Stephen Hawking

. Arguably one of the world’s greatest minds, the late physicist and author Stephen Hawking had an incredible impact on the world. Unlike some other famous people in wheelchairs, Hawking was not in one due to an SCI.

What is the criteria for a wheelchair?

They

must have a long- term mobility problem (greater than 6 months)

which impacts on their ability to walk. 1.2 The wheelchair service does not loan out equipment for temporary or short term use for less than 6 months, except in the case of palliative care.

What is the most difficult thing for wheelchair users?


Small doorways, corridors, parking lots, and public toilets

can be extremely difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. Even accessible public toilets can sometimes be difficult to maneuver around if you are in a wheelchair with a bulky frame and large wheels.

Does being in a wheelchair shorten your life?

People with in activities of daily living and mobility

had a 10-year shorter life expectancy than nondisabled people had

, of which 6 years could be explained by differences in lifestyle, sociodemographics, and major chronic diseases.

How do you greet someone in a wheelchair?

Instead,

a smile and a nod

is a fine alternative. Many high-level quadriplegics prefer this type of greeting as their standard greeting when meeting new people. Note: Do not touch their shoulder unless you know them.

What neurological disorders can put you in a wheelchair?


Cerebrovascular disease

is the most common neurological condition leading to wheelchair use (25% of wheelchair users have had a stroke). And many other people with neurological disorders spend time in a wheelchair: for example, those with spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis, polio and muscular dystrophy.

How do I know what size wheelchair to buy?

Determine

seat width by measuring the person’s hips from one side

to the other, in a straight line. Then add two inches to this measurement to select a proper wheelchair seat width. Determine seat depth by measuring from the back of the hip to the back of the knee of the person while seated.

How can I make my house wheelchair friendly?

  1. Eliminate Or Modify Steps Near The Entry. …
  2. Make Sure You Have Access To A First-Floor Bathroom And Bedroom. …
  3. Create Wider Doorways And Hallways. …
  4. Retrofit The Bathroom. …
  5. Ensure Adequate Lighting. …
  6. Take Into Account All The Obstacles. …
  7. Can I Get A Grant For A Disabled Bathroom?

How do I get a wheelchair through Medicare?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters), walkers, and wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare helps cover DME if:

The doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating

that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.

Who is the most famous disabled person?

  • Frida Kahlo. Frida suffered polio during her childhood and, according to some sources, also had spina bifida, which caused dysmetria in her right leg. …
  • John Nash. …
  • Stephen Hawking. …
  • Nick Vujicic. …
  • Andrea Boccelli. …
  • Michael J. …
  • Alex Zanardi. …
  • Aaron Fotheringham.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.