| As a wheelchair user I have struggled to always get | | | | This is especially true if arms are fitted to your chair |
| the most out of my chair. This is so important for your | | | | and you need to transfer. Either transferring to a bed, |
| health, both mentally and physically. Having the right | | | | chair or car with arms on your chair can be at best |
| chair for you is essential. Once you have bought your | | | | uncomfortable and at worst - extremely dangerous. |
| chair, general maintenance and checking on wear and | | | | Anti-tips |
| tear are both important issues to keep on top of. | | | | Some wheelchairs are fitted with anti-tips. These |
| When your chair is in regular use there are things to | | | | prevent you from tipping up backwards. Anti-tips are |
| think about that you may overlook. | | | | not only a useful safety device; they also give you |
| Here are my top tips for things you should check | | | | peace of mind that your chair will not tip backwards. |
| regularly: | | | | They can be very useful when using a new |
| Posture | | | | wheelchair that you are not used to. Equally, they are |
| Make sure your posture is always as correct as it can | | | | useful if you are moving up and down ramps or are on |
| be. If you have a full length mirror; look at yourself front | | | | rough terrain. |
| on. Check that you are sitting upright and not slumped. | | | | Portability |
| Having the correct back support on your chair will help | | | | For you to get the most out of your chair, it is vital that |
| your posture. Also, the right cushion will help you sit | | | | either you or your carer can get your chair into your |
| properly. Make sure your cushion is sitting correctly on | | | | vehicle. Your chair has to be light enough to lift. Also, if |
| your chair. | | | | your vehicle is small the chair has to be easily folded |
| Chair height | | | | or taken apart. Remember, not all chairs fit into all cars. |
| Make sure your chair is adjusted correctly for you. | | | | The other point to make here may sound obvious, but |
| Make sure the foot plates are at the right height. There | | | | it has happened to me. If you need to take your chair |
| should be no gap between your knee and the seat. | | | | apart to get it into your vehicle, make sure you never |
| Again this is important for your posture and will help | | | | leave any parts on the floor and then drive away. |
| prevent strain to your back and legs. | | | | Apart from running the risk of damaging part of your |
| Detachable arms | | | | chair, if you leave a part behind you may never get it |
| If your legs cannot weight bear, it can be very | | | | back. |
| important that the arms on your chair are detachable. | | | | |