Wheelchair Management

Wheel Chair Parts

Push Handle: Used for assisted mobility.
Arm Rests: Aids in transfers, weight shifting, and comfort. Armrests may be fixed, removable/reversible, adjustable, or a desk.
Back: Supports the client in an upright position. Types include solid, high back, sling, or custom.
Seat: Holds the client. Seat may be solid or a sling.
Drive Wheels: These are for propulsion.
Front Caster Wheels: These wheels can move in all directions which make it easier to maneuver in the environment.
Wheel Locks: Stabilize wheelchair in stationary position.
Leg Rests: Prevents leg injury during movement and provides a resting place. Leg rests may be fixed, removable, or elevating.
Foot Rests: May have a heel-loop that prevents the foot from sliding out the back.

(Tipton-Burton & Adler, 2018)

Parts of a wheelchair, November 3, 2021. Courtesy of Tessann Merkel.

Lock/Unlock Brakes

Lock unlock breaks, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Tessann Merkel.

Elevate/Decline Leg Rests

Elevate decline leg rests, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Tessann Merkel.

Remove/Replace Arm Rests

Remove replace arm rests, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Tessann Merkel.

Remove/Replace Leg Rests

Remove replace leg rests, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Tessann Merkel.

Fold/Unfold Wheelchair (W/C)

Fold and unfold wheelchair, November 9, 2021. Courtesy of Tessann Merkel.

References:

Merkel, T. (Photographer). (2021). Parts of a wheelchair [Photograph].

Merkel, T. (2021, November 9). Elevate decline leg rests [Video file].

Merkel, T. (2021, November 9). Fold and unfold wheelchair [Video file].

Merkel, T. (2021, November 9). Lock unlock breaks [Video file].

Merkel, T. (2021, November 9). Remove replace arm rests [Video file].

Merkel, T. (2021, November 9). Remove replace leg rests [Video file].

Tipton-Burton. M, & Adler, C. (2018) Mobility: Section 2 wheelchair assessment and transfers. In L. W. Pedretti, H. M. H. Pendleton, & W. Schultz-Krohn (Eds.), Pedretti’s occupational therapy: Practice skills for physical dysfunction (8th ed., pp. 247-249) Elsevier.