Roll Mobility Blog
Manual Wheelchair FAQ
Lightweight manual wheelchairs are easy to fold, lift, and store.
Need help choosing a manual wheelchair? Can’t figure out how to open or fold your manual wheelchair? See the FAQ below for help.
How do I choose the right size wheelchair?
Before shopping for a wheelchair, it’s helpful to take a few measurements of the person who will be using the wheelchair. Ask the individual to sit in a chair. Then take the following measurements:
- Width of hips (add 1 inch for bulky clothing) – This gives you the seat width measurement, the most important measurement that you’ll need.
- Vertical distance from underside of knee to bottom of foot – This gives you the correct seat height for the user. For most individuals over 5’4″, the standard 19″ to 21″ seat height works well. If you are using a wheelchair cushion, you may need to add an inch or two to the seat height.
- Distance from back of knee to back of buttocks – This gives you the seat depth measurement. A seat that’s too long can pinch the back of the knees. A seat that’s too short doesn’t provide adequate support for the thighs.
Write down the measurements and use them to compare wheelchairs online. It’s also helpful to know the individual’s weight to make sure he or she does not exceed the wheelchair’s weight limit.
What is the difference between a transport chair and a standard wheelchair?
A transport chair is designed to be pushed by a caregiver. A standard wheelchair gives you the option of either being pushed by a caregiver or propelled by the user. Transport wheelchairs are lighter in weight with smaller rear wheels, which makes them lighter and easier to lift into a vehicle. Standard wheelchairs are more comfortable for everyday use.
How do I fold a manual wheelchair?
The easiest way to fold a wheelchair is to grab the front and back of the wheelchair sling seat and pull up. Make sure the footrests are folded out of the way before folding the wheelchair.
How do I open a manual wheelchair?
Tilt the wheelchair slightly to one side and press down on one or both seat rails. Remember to keep your fingers out of the way so you don’t get pinched!
Susan Solovic: Cherish Your Aging Parents
"I realize the time is limited, so I make sure to always carve out time to share with him..." - Susan Solovic
Susan Solovic is a successful entrepreneur and caregiver for her aging father, a WWII veteran. Balancing the two roles is a challenge, but Susan says the time spent with her father is more than worth it:
“My husband and I have been caring for my dad for the past 4 years in my home. While it has been a challenge arranging our schedules to make sure he has what he needs, it has been a great experience, too.
“My mother and I were very close. I am an only child, and my dad and I never had much of a relationship. I knew he loved me, but the close relationship my mom and I had didn’t leave much room for Dad. Mom has been dead for over a decade.
“Since Dad moved in, we have had great conversations. I’ve really gotten to know him and learned a lot about his life. He’s a WWII veteran, and I never knew much about that. He’s funny, cute and a great guy. I’m really glad I’ve had this time and truly cherish it.
“As he gets weaker, I realize the time is limited, so I make sure to always carve out time to share with him rather than looking at it as an obligation or burden.
“He’ll be 87 on Wednesday this week.”
About Susan
Susan Solovic is the CEO of It’s Your Biz and a New York Times bestselling author. Find out more at www.susansolovic.com or www.itsyourbiz.com.
Caregiver Resources
Caring for an elderly parent? Here are some resources to help.
Taking care of a loved one can be rewarding and lead to personal growth, but the ups and downs can also leave you feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a growing number of resources available to ease your load and help you provide the best care for your loved one.
Setting up a support system and taking care of yourself are two of your most important priorities. If you’re not taking care of yourself first, you won’t be able to take good care of your loved one.
Listed below are links to resources that will help you find the support you need.
- WellSpouse – Support for spousal caregivers
- Checklists and Forms for Caregivers – Helpful forms for housing, finance, health, planning, legal, and end of life issues
- National Respite Network – Locate respite care for your loved one
- Caregiver Stress FAQ – Questions and answers on caregiving, health, stress, and finances
- Eldercare Locator – Connecting you to resources in your community
- The Caregiver Story Project – Know that you’re not alone. Read stories from other caregivers and share your own. Hosted by the National Family Caregivers Association.
- BenefitsCheckUp® – Find help paying for medicine or food
- Caregiving.com – Connect with other caregivers through blogs, forums, and more
- Today’s Caregiver – A magazine just for caregivers
- Medicare.gov – Caregiver resources and information from Medicare
- More Resources – A list of other resources from USA.gov
Bath Seat Assembly
Drive Medical Bath Bench Assembly
A bath seat improves safety and comfort in the bath or shower. The bath seat by Drive Medical is easy to assemble. Just attach the legs, adjust the height, and it’s ready to use.
Assembly Instructions
1. Take the bath seat parts out of the box and remove all packaging.
2. Lay the seat upside down on a flat surface so that all 4 leg receptacles are facing upward.
3. Attach the first leg by pressing in the push button and inserting the leg into the receptacle. When the leg is securely in place, the brass push button will pop out one of the adjustment holes, locking the leg in place.
4. Repeat for the remaining three legs.
Adjusting the Height
1. The bath seat height should be adjusted so that the user’s knees are parallel with or lower than the hips when seated.
2. To adjust the height, press in the push button and slide the leg up or down to reach the desired height. Align the push button with the correct hole. The button should pop out through the hole in order to lock the leg in place.
3. Adjust all four legs to the same height. Count the holes to make sure each leg is adjusted correctly. The bath seat should not rock back and forth when placed on a level surface.
4. To double check that the legs are locked into place, push or pull on each leg to make sure it does not slide up or down.
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