Understanding Wheelchair User Types: Choosing the Right One

Any person, young or adult, can become a wheelchair user anytime in life. People use wheelchairs for different reasons. Some use wheelchairs all the time due to body balance issues, cerebral palsy, and amputations. Others use their wheelchair part-time because they can walk short distances. 

The severity of the wheelchair user’s condition determines whether he’s an ambulatory or full-time user. The commonly known wheelchair users are full-time and ambulatory wheelchair users. 

Wheelchair User Definition

It’s wrong to view a wheelchair user as a wheelchair bound person. Different circumstances force people to use a wheelchair. It may be for a few hours, months, occasionally, or for an entire life. 

For example, a person who cannot walk a 100-meter distance will require wheelchair assistance at the airport. Equally, due to an injury, one may be forced to use a wheelchair while in the hospital for a few months. And a severe stroke can result in becoming a full-time wheelchair user.

A wheelchair user is defined as a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility support. The nature of mobility support varies from one person to another. Whereas nearly all people go around in a wheelchair while seated, standing wheelchairs support a standing and seated mobility.

Types of Wheelchair Users 

In this section, we’ll explore the recognized types of wheelchair users and recommend the most suitable wheelchair type for each user. Age, profession, nature of disability, environment, and user needs are important factors when considering wheelchair users vs wheelchair types.

In the discussion “Are there different terms for different wheelchair users?” on Reddit, the terms used to refer to wheelchair users are ambulatory user and full-time wheelchair user.

Different terms are used to refer to wheelchair users. These are the terms you should: 

i. Ambulatory wheelchair user

Not every wheelchair user entirely depends on a wheelchair to move from one place to another. Think of that person who will stand up from a wheelchair, grab a walking crutch, and walk to the kitchen or living room. 

He doesn't depend 100% on a wheelchair. Using other mobility aids,s an ambulatory user will walk some distance without help from an assistant.

ii. Full-time wheelchair user 

As the term describes, full-time wheelchair users depend on wheelchairs when going around. Such persons with mobility challenges can use a power or manual wheelchair, can transfer themselves to bed, stairlifts, or the sofa. On active days, they spend most of their time in a wheelchair. 

From the discussion mentioned above, it will sound unethical to use the terms “ wheelchair bound, or confined to a wheelchair”.

iii. Temporary wheelchair user

Some health conditions necessitate the use of a wheelchair for a certain period. A spinal injury, amputation, or an accident are some conditions that may lead to one using a wheelchair for a few months. After recovery, a temporary wheelchair user will stop using the wheelchair.

Depending on the severity of the condition and the body parts affected, a temporary wheelchair user can use an assisted manual wheelchair or a power reclining wheelchair.

Health Condition vs Type of Wheelchair User vs Recommended Wheelchair Type

Health Condition	Type of Wheelchair User	Recommended Wheelchair Type
Cerebral Palsy Incomplete Lesion Spinal Cord Injury Polio	Ambulatory wheelchair user	Power/manual wheelchair Self-propelled manual wheelchair (Polio)
Spina Bifida (High-level injury) Amputations Complete Lesion Spinal Cord Injury severe Multiple Sclerosis Stroke	Full-time wheelchair user	Reclination power wheelchair Assisted-operated manual wheelchair Reclination power wheelchair with footrest (Stroke)
Incomplete Lesion Spinal Cord Injury	Temporary wheelchair user	Power/manual wheelchair

Choosing a Wheelchair According to Wheelchair User Needs

From the table above, a wheelchair user's health condition determines the type of wheelchair to use. Here is an example: A wheelchair user with weak muscles and poor coordination needs an assisted manual wheelchair. Again, a full-time wheelchair user requires a reclining power/electric wheelchair.

Some health conditions do progressively deteriorate. Other conditions get better day by day. Therefore, a full-time wheelchair user can start by using a fully assisted manual wheelchair and end up becoming a temporary wheelchair user. 

Here are the wheelchair user's needs to consider when choosing a wheelchair:

1. Controlled vs uncontrolled body part movements

 A wheelchair user who cannot control body parts movements like the legs and hands, will require a wheelchair that provides full body support. An assisted manual or power wheelchair would be a better choice. A reclining feature would be an added advantage to help in changing the user’s seating position.

A wheelchair user with the ability to control body movements needs an electric wheelchair.

2. Complete vs partial loss of movement

If one hasn’t totally lost their ability to move, a self-propelled manual or power wheelchair. But if one has completely lost movement and requires postural support, as in amputation, still, a self-propelled wheelchair is the best choice. 

3. Severity of an injury

Injuries heal within weeks, others months, a few longer than a year, and some never heal. Some injuries lead to a complete loss of movement for certain months, thus resulting in the injured becoming a full-time wheelchair user. In such a case, consider choosing an assisted manual or power wheelchair. 

4. Ability to stand and walk

If a wheelchair user can stand and walk short distances, choose a wheelchair that can aid in mobility for long distances, such as an automatic electric wheelchair 

Summary

Sometimes it’s difficult to decide what the needs and care a wheelchair user should be given. The first challenge in dealing with a person with limited mobility is choosing the most appropriate wheelchair. From the factors above, which one would you give priority to when choosing a wheelchair?