Bariatric Wheelchairs – What You Should Know

Bariatric is a term that represents the population of people who are exceedingly obese and who need medical intervention due to their excessive weight. They are generally classified as patients over and above 250 pounds. In the health care setting, bariatric clients are usually addressed separately from the general populace due to their distinct need for a different set of interventions and specialized medical management.

What are Bariatric Wheelchairs?
Bariatiric wheelchairs are designed for bariatric patients who need assistance in moving around. These pieces of equipment provide clients with the ability to take up an independent way of life despite their restrictive condition.

Obese patients basically have special needs that are different from normal-sized people. They also require specialized design considerations when it comes to wheelchairs. Aside from the excessive weight, these mobility aids need to have appropriate capacity for depth, width and length prerequisites.
Wheelchair manufacturers have taken these variables into account. There are in fact numerous types of bariatric wheelchairs in the market today. Each of the styles are modified to meet the unique needs of this population group. Modern bariatric wheelchairs also carry a variety of features, which include durable frames built with advanced welding technology, hardwearing wheels with pneumatic tires, padded upholstery for added comfort, and other extra features.
Manual Bariatric Wheelchairs
Like the regular variety, bariatric wheelchairs also come in manual versions. These wheelchairs are ideal for people who still have the capacity to push the wheels and set the chair in motion with minimal or no assistance.
Manually propelled bariatric wheelchairs also provide a certain degree of exercise to their users. However, other medical conditions – aside from obesity – may get worse because of the added strain created by pushing the wheels. For people with other infirmities, electric bariatric wheelchairs may be more appropriate.
Electric Bariatric Wheelchairs
These wheelchairs are ideal for patients who have cardiovascular disorders or those who lack the upper body strength required to propel a manual bariatric wheelchair. The ability to move around easily by means of a joystick mechanism provides wheelchair-bound obese clients with the chance to perform a number of routine activities.