Category: Power Wheelchair Info

  • NuDigest: The Basics of Getting Your Client in Powered Mobility

    Three modern power recline wheelchairs are displayed side by side on a brightly lit steel bridge at night, with city lights visible in the background.

    Prescribing the right type of wheelchair can be challenging. Prescribing the optimal piece of equipment can improve the function and quality of life for an individual. The right mobility device facilitates psychosocial and physical well-being. Prescribing the incorrect equipment can lead to fatigue, pain, loss of independence, poor quality of life and equipment abandonment. Clinicians…

  • NuDigest: Selecting the Right Wheel Configuration for a Powered Wheelchair

    A man kneels on the floor, inspecting the wheel configuration of a yellow and black powered wheelchair in a workshop. Tools and parts are visible nearby.

    During an evaluation for a power wheelchair, the wheelchair prescription team of the doctor, the therapist and the assistive technology professional must fully evaluate a client’s needs. Thorough review of environment, circumstances, and activities of daily living must take place to facilitate providing an optimal mobility device. Seating and positioning components recommendations are generally guided…

  • NuDigest: The Importance of Properly Programming Powered Wheelchairs

    A close-up of a red and black powered wheelchair on a sunny outdoor surface, highlighting large wheels, footrests, and part of the seat, with emphasis on wheelchair safety features.

    It is not unusual to see clients, both adults and children, that when a powered wheelchair is suggested, immediately decline because they previously had a “scary” experience. Upon further questioning, it becomes apparent that when a powered chair was tried, the client got in and drove without programming adjustments being made. This situation can be…

  • NuDigest: Balancing Loaner Wheelchair vs Custom Wheelchair Needs for ALS patients

    A person using a loaner wheelchair sits in a doorway, gazing out at the sunset. Warm light casts long shadows on the floor, creating a calm and contemplative atmosphere.

    ALS is a devastating diagnosis. It tends to be diagnosis by omission of other issues and often by the time this happens, mobility has been affected. When that becomes the case, there is a need to discuss a mobility solution – generally a power wheelchair. With many ALS patients, the immediacy of their condition drives…

  • NuDigest: Factors to Consider When Choosing Powered Seating Tilt, Recline, and Standing Features

    An older man in a motorized wheelchair sits on a wheelchair lift with tilt recline next to an SUV with its rear hatch open, showing the powered seating and lift mechanism for loading the chair into the vehicle.

    The ability to move independently to obtain pressure and postural relief is good for everyone.