Healthcare Advice
If you think you could benefit from a wheelchair all or most of the time, ask a GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. They’ll advise if you need a wheelchair and if so, what type. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to assist in the decision making process.
Physical and occupational therapists are often called on to prescribe a wheelchair. A properly prescribed wheelchair can be a useful device in reintegrating a person with a disability into the community, whereas a poorly prescribed one can actually exacerbate the problems associated with activity limitations and disability.
There are a number of factors to consider including your body type, skin condition, posture and strength. If you have a health condition that is likely to progress with time, it’s a good idea to take account of your possible future needs when choosing a wheelchair, too.