Simple everyday maintenance of your manual wheelchair is the easiest way to extend the life of your wheelchair, as well as ensure your safety during everyday use. Many of today’s chairs are fairly low maintenance, requiring attention when something breaks. But personal follow through on your equipment will extend the overall use life of the chair. This is very important in today’s ever evolving Medicare climate of change. Fewer and fewer items are being covered, making important to maintain what you have now.
When you receive your new manual chair, ask your provider what type of nuts and bolts are on the chair (standard or metric), and head to your local hardware store to purchase some basic tools to help with your general maintenance. Some of the newer rigid frames come with a basic tool set. And although these tool sets are nice, sometimes they don’t include every tool necessary. The main tools necessary are a good assortment of Allen wrenches, an adjustable wrench (specifically something that will adjust past 1 ½”), and a socket set. Metric sockets should include 10mm – 13mm, and standard sockets should include 3/8”, 7/16”, and ½” sockets.
There are some things that will require immediate attention. These include a loss of tire pressure if you have pneumatic tires, and if you have noticed that something has come loose on your chair. These are potentially dangerous situations and should be addressed immediately.
Your general maintenance schedule should begin with a weekly visual check of your chair. Everything should be in alignment, brakes should lock, and tires should show plenty of tread. You will also want to launder the seat cushion cover per the manufacturer’s specifications. Many back cushion covers cannot be removed, and should be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Your monthly check should also add a thorough cleaning of your frame with a damp cloth, and a visual inspection of the frame for fatigue or cracks. You also want to make sure all nuts and bolts are well secured on your frame, and seating system. This will include brakes, axle plates, and back and seat hardware. Also make sure your quick release axle housings are clean and well lubricated. The function of your leg rests, removable armrests, and any removable seating should be checked. And last but not least, your spokes should be tight and straight.
If you find that something is damaged, and you don’t feel comfortable attempting the repair yourself, do not hesitate to contact your wheelchair provider. Most providers will provide in home service of your equipment, and many repairs can be billed to your insurance company on your behalf.
Simple maintenance and follow through is an easy way to make sure your equipment is working safely and properly. This will help to extend the overall life of your manual wheelchair.