Anyone who uses a wheelchair to get around normally should prioritize regular maintenance checkups. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, people who did not maintain their wheelchairs frequently and did not use a wheelchair prescribed by a professional increased their risk of having an accident significantly. No matter how old your current wheelchair is, it’s a good habit to have it maintained regularly. Depending on how often you use it, regular maintenance could be monthly or just a couple of times each year. Here’s why wheelchair maintenance checkups are critical for maintaining independent living.
Avoid Sudden And Unexpected Problems
Sudden and unexpected problems can leave you stranded in places you don’t want to be. People who use a power wheelchair could find themselves stuck in a grocery store, parking lot, or anywhere else they go often. The mechanics of a power wheelchair need to be examined periodically to ensure any potential issues are caught before they leave you stranded. By doing so, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of having an unexpected issue.
Wheelchair Damage May Not Be Obvious
Even if you inspect your wheelchair yourself frequently, some damage may be hidden from the average person. If you use your wheelchair daily, it has to go over rough terrain, water puddles, mud, debris, and many other things often. Cleaning your wheelchair afterward is essential, but sometimes those elements could get into the internal mechanisms of the wheelchair that aren’t easily visible. Sometimes you’ll notice a problem right away, but other times problems won’t be discovered until a trained and experienced eye examines it.
Keep Your Wheelchair In Good Working Condition
If you rely on your wheelchair to continue independent living, then it needs to be kept in good working condition. This will make it more reliable when you need it most, while also extending its lifespan. Sometimes small issues can lead to large issues in the future and may create the need to buy a brand new wheelchair. Routine maintenance and repairs often pay for themselves in the long-run when you compare it to buying a new one.
Maintain Independent Living
Wheelchair users appreciate their wheelchair most because of the independence it gives them. In this regard, people with power wheelchairs should keep maintenance logs and prioritize maintenance as much as they would a vehicle. Repair technicians need to know the history of maintenance and repairs to make the appropriate recommendations when needed. Just like if your vehicle stops working, a non-functioning wheelchair can be a great inconvenience and put a temporary halt to independent living.
Next Day Access offers reliable wheelchairs for people who need them to maintain independent living. We highly recommend regular maintenance checkups for every wheelchair, and we have experienced technicians to help you out. Our goal is to ensure you can keep moving whenever you need to without fear of breaking down or becoming stranded. Be sure to contact us to learn more about how we can help you maintain independent living with your wheelchair.
