With advancing technologies, assistive medical supplies have made life easy by catering to the user's wide range of mobility needs. Transport wheelchairs are one of the most widely known and used mobility devices that help people in the healing phase and even help speed the process by removing the strain from the body. While it aids your physical health through proper rest, it helps you mentally by becoming independent and confident when performing basic regular activities. You can choose from different types of lightweight transport chairs based on your health conditions and requirements. While you have a set of options, buying vs renting a wheelchair remains the question. Before understanding the reasons for buying and renting, let us know the choices you have when it comes to transport wheelchairs.
Different Types of Wheelchairs
Lightweight Transport Wheelchair
Unlike regular wheelchairs, transport wheelchairs are lightweight and have 8-inch rear and 6-inch small caster wheels in front, making transporting the user easy. The weight of the wheelchair is 15 lbs., and it has comfortable handles, making it easy to carry anywhere and everywhere. Restaurant-style armrest adds to the comfort of a high-grade aluminum wheelchair.
Bariatric Transport Chair
High-weight capacity bariatric transport chairs are perfect for anyone with a higher-weight scale. Being bariatric shouldn’t stop you from living a comfortable and independent lifestyle. The wide seating and lower height allow the individual to use the wheelchair without any caregiver and feel complete comfort.
Hemi Wheelchair
The Hemi wheelchair is the most versatile transport chair available on the market. Its low height makes it comfortable for everyone, including children. The dual axle helps with easy height adjustment and has a removable flip-back padded and upholstered armrest.
Folding Wheelchair
A folding transport wheelchair is the perfect solution for regular traveling. Carrying the wheelchair is now easy with the foldable design. It packs tightly and fits small corners of your car backseat, making it accessible wherever you go. The wheelchair is reliable and comes with in-built features for complete comfort.
Related Blog: Transport Chair vs Wheelchair: Understanding the 5 Key Differences
Benefits of Using a Wheelchair
Enhanced Mobility and Independence
Wheelchairs serve as essential mobility aids, allowing individuals with disabilities to move freely and independently in various environments. Whether indoors, outdoors, or in public spaces, wheelchairs enable users to navigate without relying on assistance from others. This enhanced mobility fosters a sense of independence and empowerment, as users can participate more actively in daily activities and engage with their surroundings on their own terms.
Improved Physical Health and Well-being
Wheelchairs provide a comfortable and stable seat, which is important for people who have trouble walking. Walking for long periods can be tiring and painful for them. Wheelchairs reduce strain on their muscles and joints, helping them save energy and avoid pain. This allows them to do more activities without feeling tired or uncomfortable.
Enhanced Access and Convenience:
Wheelchairs make it easier for people with disabilities to access places and do things they need to do. They enable users to access a wide range of amenities, services, and social activities with greater ease and confidence. Whether it's shopping at a store, attending social events, or accessing healthcare facilities without needing help from other individuals. This increased access not only enhances convenience but also fosters a sense of inclusion and participation in the community.
Psychological Upliftment and Dignity
By providing a means of independent mobility, wheelchairs reduce dependence on others for assistance, promoting self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of control over one's life. This enhanced autonomy fosters positive self-image and mental well-being, as users can engage with the world on their own terms, maintaining a sense of dignity and self-respect.
Educational and Employment Opportunities
Wheelchairs help people with disabilities access education and job opportunities. By providing mobility support, wheelchairs enable users to attend schools, universities, and training programs, breaking down barriers to learning and skill development. Similarly, in the workplace, wheelchairs empower individuals to pursue employment opportunities, contributing to economic independence and social integration. This increased access to education and employment not only enhances individual prospects but also promotes diversity and inclusivity in educational and professional settings.
Social Interaction and Community Engagement
Wheelchairs facilitate social interaction and community engagement by enabling individuals to participate in various social activities and events. Whether attending family gatherings, community events, or recreational activities, wheelchairs provide users with the mobility and accessibility they need to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. This fosters a sense of belonging, enhancing overall wellbeing and quality of life for wheelchair users.
Personalized Comfort and Customization
Wheelchairs offer the advantage of personalized comfort and customization to meet individual needs and preferences. Users can choose from a variety of wheelchair models, designs, and features to ensure optimal comfort, functionality, and style. From adjustable seating positions and cushioning to specialized accessories and add-ons, wheelchairs can be tailored to accommodate specific mobility requirements and enhance overall user experience. This customization fosters a sense of ownership and satisfaction, promoting greater acceptance and usage of wheelchairs in daily life.
Empowers Caregivers and Support Networks
Wheelchairs benefit the users while also empowering caregivers and support networks by reducing physical strain and enhancing caregiving efficiency. By providing a safe and comfortable means of transportation for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchairs alleviate the burden on caregivers, allowing them to focus on providing emotional support and assistance as needed.
Facilitates Travel and Exploration
Wheelchairs enable individuals with mobility impairments to travel and explore new places with greater ease and confidence. Whether it is about navigating through airports, boarding public transportation, or exploring tourist attractions, wheelchairs provide users with the mobility support they need to start on adventures and discover new experiences. With the availability of wheelchair-accessible accommodations and transportation options, individuals can travel independently or with companions, fostering a sense of freedom and empowerment.
Reasons to Rent Transport Wheelchairs
Affordable Solution
Rental options for the lightweight transport wheelchair are affordable, especially when you need it for a particular duration only. Special medical needs like surgeries and accidents require you to use wheelchairs only till recovery. Renting reduces maintenance costs, and you pay for the days you use, making it a great solution.
Easy Replacement
While there are many options to choose from, which can confuse you, renting allows you to try and replace the wheelchair until you find the one that best suits all your needs. Whether you want a hemi wheelchair, a bariatric transport wheelchair, or any other transport chair, renting allows you to easily replace it after trying.
Flexible Days of Use
You might not require a wheelchair for a lifetime. Some problems like fractured leg, surgery, back pain, etc., might ask you to give some rest to your body and avoid strain. Renting the lightweight wheelchair lets you pay and use it only for the days or months needed. You can adjust the number of days as per your health condition and return when the wheelchair is not needed anymore.
Instant Access on Your Vacations
Being lightweight and an easily accessible option available everywhere, renting a lightweight transport chair on the go makes it easy to enjoy an independent vacation and trips. It is easy to carry or rent in any state of the US, making it a convenient option while you enjoy your vacation.
Suitable for the Growing Years of Your Child
Growing children are prone to accidents and injuries and require proper rest for faster recovery. With their growing age, they require different features and sizes of wheelchair transport. Renting makes it possible to keep adapting to your child's growing needs and mobility support.
Temporary Medical Needs
In cases of temporary medical needs like post operative recovery or rehabilitation from injuries, renting a transport wheelchair offers a practical solution. Instead of investing in a wheelchair for short-term use, renting allows individuals to access the necessary mobility aid without the commitment of long-term ownership. This flexibility ensures that individuals receive the support they need during their recovery period without the burden of unnecessary expenses.
Trial for Long Term Investment
For individuals considering purchasing a transport wheelchair for long-term use, renting provides an opportunity for a trial period. Renting allows users to test different models, features, and functionalities before making a significant financial investment. This trial period enables individuals to make informed decisions based on their specific mobility needs, ensuring that they select the most suitable wheelchair for their long-term use.
Avoidance of Storage Constraints
For individuals with limited space or storage options, renting a transport wheelchair eliminates the need to accommodate bulky equipment when not in use. Unlike owning a wheelchair, which requires adequate storage space at home or in other facilities, renting allows users to return the wheelchair once it is no longer needed, freeing up valuable space and reducing clutter. This flexibility in storage options provides convenience and ease of use, particularly for individuals living in smaller living spaces or temporary accommodations.
Reasons to Buy Transport Wheelchairs
Great Long-Term Investment
Sometimes, you might require a wheelchair for health reasons that might take a long time for healing or recovery. In such scenarios, renting can cost a lot to your pocket. Instead, buying becomes an investment for long-term use.
Support for Special Needs
For those with special needs, buying a lightweight transport chair can be a great investment to support and take the strain and aid the person's mobility needs.
Warranty
Buying comes with a warranty. The best lightweight transport wheelchair has a lifetime warranty that allows you to invest in good-quality and trusted products.
Personalized Features
When buying, you can customize the transport wheelchair as per your needs and requirements. Based on your health conditions, you can add different features that will elevate the lifestyle, comfort, and independence you want.
Process to Rent a Transport Wheelchair
Renting a transport wheelchair with Broadway Medical Supply is simple. While there are offline stores for you to check the features of the wheelchair, a simple inquiry option on the online page caters to all your doubts. Our customer support helps you with the entire process while answering all your questions, and you are ready to rent your lightweight transport wheelchair.
With more than 30 years of experience serving the medical industry, Broadway brings you a range of rental options. Keeping the quality and safety of the user at the top, you can rent and buy different medical supplies under one roof. Catering all over the United States, buying and renting a transport wheelchair is now accessible online at Broadway Medical Store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is the Maximum Weight A Wheelchair Can Hold?
The maximum weight a wheelchair can hold varies depending on the specific model and design. However, many transport wheelchairs are designed to support weights ranging from 250 to 300 pounds, while bariatric transport chairs can accommodate higher weight capacities, often up to 400 or 500 pounds.
2. How Do I Choose the Right Size Transport Wheelchair for Someone?
Choosing the right size transport wheelchair involves considering several factors like individual’s height, weight, and specific mobility needs. It is essential to measure the user’s seat width and depth to ensure a comfortable fit and proper support. Considering the wheelchair’s overall dimensions, including seat height and armrest height also helps determine the best size for optimal mobility and comfort.
3. Can Wheelchairs Be Customized for Individual Needs?
Yes, wheelchairs can be customized to meet individuals needs through various adjustments and accessories. Features like adjustable seat height, armrests, footrests, and backrests allow for personalized comfort and support. It is also possible to add wheelchair accessories like cushions, headrests, and specialized seating systems specifically to address specific mobility challenges and enhance overall functionality.
4. How Do I Prevent Pressure Sores While Using a Wheelchair?
Preventing pressure sores while using a wheelchair involves implementing proper seating techniques and regular repositioning. It's essential to ensure that the user's weight is evenly distributed across the seating surface by using pressure-relieving cushions or padding. Frequent changes in position, including shifting weight, adjusting posture, and taking regular breaks from sitting, can also help alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas and reduce the risk of pressure sores. Maintaining good skin hygiene and inspecting the skin regularly for signs of redness or irritation are also essential preventive measures.
