I Just Had A Stroke, What Wheelchair Do I Need?

If you are a stroke victim or have a family member who suffered one recently, we provide information specifically for your situation. This page gives you information on what type of wheelchair is the best choice for stroke victims.
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Wheelchair For Stroke Patients

Manual wheelchairs for stroke patients come in varying sizes and some with unique components catered towards the victim. Some users may require a transport wheelchair to leave the hospital and to travel to the doctor’s office for check ups after a stroke. This type of wheelchair has small wheels which means that the user requires a caregiver to be present to get around. It also means that it is more compact when folded, and does not require the wheels to be removed when storing in a small space. Lightweight big wheel wheelchairs are the type that have 22″ or larger wheels and allows the user to propel themselves with no assistance necessary. This type of chair is not common in stroke situations because it requires energy to be exerted by the user, which would not be ideal after a stroke. Another reason large wheeled wheelchairs are not preferred is because the stroke patient may need to use more effort from their side of the body unaffected by the stroke, which would not help in the recovery.

I had a stroke, why would I need a wheelchair?

If you require a wheelchair after having a stroke, it will be given to you a short while after the incident either while you are a patient in a hospital and when you have been allowed to go home. Some stroke victims can use a manual wheelchair for a prolonged period of time depending on how severe the aftermath of the stroke is. You may need a chair for sitting out of your bed, this promotes muscle movement which may help in a stroke victim’s recovery. A manual wheelchair for a stroke patient should be chosen carefully depending on the damage after a stroke. Some may require a manual wheelchair with flip back or removable armrests so that they may transfer in and out of the chair with ease. Some may require removable footrests so that the user can use their feet to propel in the advance stages of recovery. Promoting good posture while in a wheelchair is essential for any user after an accident, this means that the wheelchair should be designed and built for the ultimate comfort. If the user does require a wheelchair, it may mean that they must use it for a prolonged period of time, this can cause pressure ulcers to develop and other health conditions. That is why an ergonomic wheelchair may be the best thing out there for a stroke patient. The ergonomic wheelchairs promote good posture because they come standard with our S-Shape Seating System. They also come with an anti-bacterial cushion to prevent pressure sores from developing.

Mobility equipment that may help after a stroke

Life after a stroke on a wheelchair

When the patient recovers from a stroke, it is very important to provide them with special attention and care. Special therapy and caregiving would lessen the chance of long term health related problems, including physical disabilities. The severity of the stroke can determine which steps to take toward the road to recovery. Returning to a normal health state is possible depending on the stroke severity, therapy tailored for stroke patients is the best way to return to a healthy state. Physiotherapy and speech therapy may be required for a stroke victim, depending on the age of the victim and their current health. Some patients make a full recovery but it does not happen overnight, it may take up to a year or more to get back to their old form. When a stroke victim is on their way to recovery, they should be very careful of what activities they become involved in. A manual wheelchair can help a victim to get around the house and outdoors as well. Although traveling is not recommended, a travel or transport wheelchair can also aid you in your daily activities. Some stroke patients do not fully recover over time, they may need additional help or support to prevent health deterioration. In this type of case, it is recommended that the patient use a power wheelchair, or a battery assisted chair. This type of wheelchair can assist the patient on a daily basis when they need severe assistance to get around. Commonly power wheelchairs are used if the user cannot move their lower extremities, or if they have damaged motor skills.

Other Information

A Comprehensive Stroke Resource Guide – Wheelchair

Stroke Recovery Products for Mobility – Mobility Aids

The use of a wheelchair for stroke patients – Derby Hospital

Caregiving for Patients After a Stroke Continued

Recovering After Stroke Health Information

 

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