There are a ton of wheelchair accessories available for independent living, but which ones do you need? Accessories are a great way to add extra comfort and functionality to your wheelchair. Whether you’re looking for a cup holder, bag, or something to help with knee pain, this blog post has put together a list of eight must-have wheelchair accessories for independent living.
1. Cup-holders
One of the most commonly used wheelchair accessories is a cup holder. They can be attached to your wheelchair or used as an attachment to a table or desk. You can find cup holders with different designs and materials, but choosing one that suits your needs and personal preferences is important. Cup holders are convenient because they allow you to keep your drink close by while you’re working, playing on your computer, or watching TV. Cup-holders also help prevent spills because they keep drinks upright and prevent them from falling over when the person using them turns in their seat or leans back too far on their chair
2. Wheelchair Gloves
If you are an independent wheelchair user, you know it can be challenging to keep your hands comfortable and warm. The cold weather can be difficult, especially if you have poor circulation or suffer from arthritis or other conditions that make it hard to keep your fingers warm.
Wheelchair gloves protect your hands from the cold and prevent blisters, chapping, and other injuries that may occur when using a wheelchair for extended periods. There are many types of wheelchair gloves on the market today, but all of them share some common features.
3. Pouches
They can be used for many things, such as holding drinks, phones, tablets, books, magazines, etc. Wheelchair pouches are made of high-quality materials and have several compartments that allow you to store different items in one place. The pouch is attached to the armrest of your wheelchair using Velcro straps and elastic bands. This makes it easy for you to access your belongings without bending down or reaching behind you. The best part about wheelchair pouches is that they come in so many different designs and sizes to fit any chair configuration or style. They are also lightweight, so they don’t add excessive weight to your chair and make it difficult to push around.
4. Wheelchair Bag for Your Back
A wheeled bag specifically designed to hold a wheelchair is an essential accessory for anyone who needs to transport their wheelchair frequently. A wheeled bag can make it easier to get around airports, shopping malls, and other crowded areas.
Wheelchair bags come in many different sizes and styles, so choosing one that meets your needs is important. Some wheeled bags are designed specifically for use with manual wheelchairs and are perfect for those who only need to carry a single chair. Others can carry two or even three wheelchairs at once. A common feature of most wheeled bags is the ability to fold flat when not in use. This makes them easy to store when not in use and also makes transporting them much easier than traditional luggage or bags with wheels.
5. Transit Bags
A transit bag is a lightweight and easy-to-carry bag that helps you get in and out of your mobility equipment quickly. It also allows you to carry items from one place to another without taking them out of the bag. For example, if you are going for a walk in the park, you can pack some snacks in the transit bag so that you don’t have to rummage through your purse or backpack while moving around the park in your wheelchair.
6. Wheelchair Cushions
The best wheelchair cushions are made from memory foam, designed to get to conform your body shape and relieve pressure points caused by sitting in one place for long periods. A high-quality memory foam cushion will cradle your back as you sit and provide support where it is needed, around the buttocks and hips. Some people find that standard wheelchair cushions don’t offer enough padding around their thighs and knees, so they opt for additional padding that can be attached to the outside of their wheelchair’s frame. This type of accessory is called an add-on pad because it attaches to the edge of your cushion with velcro straps or other fasteners.
7. Seat Belt
A seat belt is a safety device to secure the wheelchair user in their chair. The seat belt can be either nylon webbing or high-strength polyester webbing. The nylon webbing is more flexible and comfortable, while the high-strength polyester webbing is more durable and resistant to abrasion. The seat belt should fit securely around the waist and under the buttocks but not so tightly that it causes discomfort. Some models feature adjustable buckles for a custom fit, while others have an elastic waistband that can be tightened or loosened to achieve the ideal fit.
8. Armrest Pocket Organizer
The armrest pocket organiser is a must-have accessory for wheelchair users. It keeps your items close by and easily accessible. The organiser is designed to fit most standard armrests and can store cell phones, wallets, pens, and more. The organiser is made of high-quality leather and has a waterproof design to protect its contents from rain or spills. It comes in two colours: black and brown.
Conclusion
A wheelchair does not have to be confining; it can provide you with greater freedom and the ability to do more things on your own. For all wheelchair users who spend time outside their homes or offices, having the right wheelchair accessories can be vital to their comfort and safety. These are just a few must-have wheelchair accessories for independent living, and there are many more out there, should you choose to look for them.
