How to Properly Care For a Bariatric Wheel Chair

Bariatric wheelchairs are developed and safety-tested to support bigger weight capacities without sacrificing stability or sturdiness. They feature heavy-duty frames and seat widths that are broader than basic wheelchairs.

Facilities need to think about more than just the variety of bariatric chairs they include to their waiting space. My Mobility Scooters is likewise crucial to ensure personnel acknowledges the weight capacity of each chair.
Frame

A bariatric wheelchair has a much stronger frame to support a greater weight capacity than standard chairs. These frames are typically made of a strong metal like steel that will not flex or break under the user's weight, and they are layered to resist corrosion from regular use. This function is essential because a chair that breaks easily can be hazardous for the user.

Choosing a bariatric wheelchair with a strong, long lasting frame will also assist to extend the life of the chair by preventing unnecessary damage from day-to-day wear and tear. In addition, a wheelchair that is constructed from durable materials will be more comfy for the user, as it will be less most likely to droop or develop other problems with time.

In addition to a robust structure, a bariatric wheelchair needs to be geared up with features that improve comfort and security for the user. For example, a bariatric wheelchair with padded footrests can help to reduce pressure sores by uniformly distributing the user's weight across their feet. In addition, a bariatric wheelchair with an adjustable footplate can be utilized to accommodate a large range of shoe sizes, making it simpler for the patient to get in and out of the chair.

Finally, a bariatric wheelchair needs to have features that make it easy for caregivers to navigate and maintain the chair. This can consist of functions like a no-lift repositioning function, which is operated by a basic foot pump and saves caregivers from straining or injuring themselves throughout transfers. In addition, a wheelchair with an assisted back recline can help to improve posture and comfort for the user by carefully easing them down into the reclining position utilizing pressurized gas cylinders.
Seat

For individuals with a larger build and mobility obstacles, bariatric wheelchairs supply remarkable support and convenience. They're created and safety-tested to hold more weight without compromising stability or toughness.

Lots of bariatric wheelchairs feature specialized seating to assist avoid unpleasant pressure ulcers and improve overall patient convenience. These seats can likewise make it simpler to transfer in and out of the chair.

Bariatric wheelchairs often include swing-away foot rests, which can be swung out of the way during transfers. This makes moving easier for both the individual in the chair and their caregivers. Some bariatric wheelchairs, like the Vanguard, offer a "no-lift" tilt and assisted back recline to even more assist avoid pressure injuries.

It's also crucial to choose a seat that represents a bigger construct, such as one with extra-wide seats. Some bariatric chairs also have removable arms to make side transfers much easier. For instance, Broda's Sentinel Shower Commode includes removable arm and lateral supports for bariatric clients.

In addition to helping avoid pressure injuries, bariatric wheelchairs can help individuals with weight problems stay active in their neighborhoods and homes. They can also improve their self-esteem by enabling them to participate in activities they otherwise may not have the ability to.

When picking a bariatric wheelchair for your facility, it's necessary to have a comprehensive seating evaluation finished by a certified health care professional like an occupational therapist or an ATP. This will assist you identify the person's sizing needs, mobility goals, and day-to-day functions to guarantee the chair is effectively sized. It will likewise act as proof of medical need for insurance coverage functions. Click to find out more about the advantages of a detailed seating evaluation and download our complimentary Bariatric Seating Assessment Form.
Arms

The arms of a bariatric wheelchair are wider and more reinforced than standard wheelchairs. This is to provide a higher quantity of assistance and convenience for the user, as well as guarantee safety throughout transfers. They likewise provide more stability when the user leans on them for help. This makes them ideal for users who have difficulty standing or need additional support to help them get out of bed.

The enhanced frames of bariatric wheelchairs are also designed to provide a much better experience for the user, which can be especially essential for individuals with bigger builds who might experience discomfort in standard wheelchairs. This can cause a range of issues, including pressure ulcers and other health complications. A bariatric chair with cushioned arm and lateral supports, like the Broda Advantage Wheelchair, can assist to prevent these types of concerns by supplying sufficient space for a comfortable fit and redistributing pressure to reduce friction.

A bariatric wheelchair can also provide the user a greater sense of self-reliance and freedom to move about, which can be very helpful for their mental and emotional state. It permits them to go outside and perform errands or go to pals without stressing over their weight or whether they can safely use a standard wheelchair. The ability to walk around can also help improve social interaction and improve quality of life. For these reasons, a bariatric wheelchair is often considered a need rather than an optional tool for those who require it. This consists of anybody with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30.
Weight Capacity

While basic wheelchairs can generally support approximately 250 lbs, bariatric chairs can conveniently hold up to 1000 pounds. With sturdier building and construction and broader dimensions, these wheelchairs assist bigger individuals keep their self-reliance. For added security, a number of these chairs also use features like no-lift repositioning to lower caretaker stress and offer more dignified care.

Including bariatric seating to your medical center is an essential financial investment for clients with big frames. With a bariatric chair, your visitors can comfortably delight in time outdoors and in social settings without stressing about being uncomfortable or jeopardizing their safety. This mobility helps to cultivate a more positive state of mind, which in turn causes much better health outcomes.


To select the right bariatric wheelchair, accurate measurement is crucial. Taking seat-to-shoulder, hip-to-heel, and armrest-to-armrest measurements can help to make sure that the chair fits appropriately. Then, you can determine for a bariatric footplate that will accommodate your distinct feet and guarantee that they are completely supported.

In addition to offering a safe, stable, and comfortable trip, bariatric wheelchairs can also come equipped with a range of accessories that improve comfort, function, and style. From back bring pouches to swing-away adjustable foot rests, these accessories can make your chair more flexible and functional.

Buying a bariatric wheelchair can be an expensive investment, however there are various funding options offered to assist you spend for it. Discover more about finding a dealer near you, understanding your search results, and purchasing your wheelchair through insurance coverage.
Care

While it is crucial to have a bariatric wheelchair that will fulfill your requirements, it's equally essential that you understand how to properly take care of the chair. This will assist make sure that it lasts and remains as functional and comfy for as long as possible. It is likewise useful to consider adding a few crucial bariatric wheelchair accessories to improve security, comfort, and mobility for the user.

Some examples of these consist of back walking canes and specifically created placing belts that offer additional stability to the seat, and avoid pressure injuries. Wheelchair cushions that supply superior pressure redistribution, such as the AliMed Bariatric Tri-Foam Cushions, can decrease the danger of pressure ulcers and improve overall health outcomes.

A reinforced heavy-duty frame provides sturdiness and stability for a bariatric wheelchair, particularly when carrying heavier individuals. Support can be added through crossbars in the frame, or through extra padding throughout the chair, including the seat and back.

The best chair will not just lower the threat of injury and disease, but it can allow users to increase self-reliance in day-to-day activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing. This can considerably improve lifestyle and assist individuals to live individually for longer.

It's recommended that every health care center supplies high-weight capacity visitor chairs and overbed tables in its client spaces. This permits patients to be comfortably seated, which can reduce pressure on caregivers and make them feel more in your home. In addition, these chairs can help to minimize pressure injuries, which can be both agonizing and costly. Take a look at our guide on wheelchair specifications to get more information about picking the finest chair for your needs. QUICK TIP: When searching for bariatric wheelchairs, it is necessary that you check out the item descriptions thoroughly to guarantee that the chair will securely accommodate your weight. Some items have a ceiling that varies from brand name to brand, so make certain to consult this information when making your selection.