subject: Bariatric Wheelchair Rental An Ideal Option [print this page] Bariatric wheelchair rental can be a good option for overweight patients who have recently been diagnosed with a mobility-limiting condition. Unlike standard wheelchairs, bariatric wheelchairs are designed for larger frames and higher weight capacities. Standard wheelchairs are generally made of chrome and nylon or vinyl, materials which are not strong enough to sustain a morbidly obese patient. Instead of using standard materials, a bariatric wheelchair is built of high-strength steel to sustain weights in excess of 400 pounds, with some having a rating of up to 1,000 pounds.
Unfortunately, larger patients with mobility issues can have their conditions worsened by using a self-propelled wheelchair. In these cases, the standard, self-propelled wheelchair, with two large wheels at the rear and two small wheels in front, can be more of a hindrance than a help. Extremely overweight patients will need either a powered or attended chair.
Bariatric wheelchair rental is a positive solution for these patients. Powered wheelchairs, particularly those built to carry heavier patients, can be very expensive. Additionally, many patients cannot wait for a powered wheelchair to be shipped. In these cases, rental of a heavy-duty attended wheelchair will be much more cost and time effective.
Hospital and medical supply companies should consider making bariatric wheelchair rental available to patients. There are currently high-capacity, high-strength models available which can be stacked to reduce storage space needs. Keeping a supply of these wheelchairs available for rental would be an excellent opportunity to provide added value to patients.
In addition to institutional settings, bariatric wheelchair rental in other public venues, such as airports, concert halls and museums, provides a means for limited-mobility patrons to still enjoy access to public spaces without the need to bring their own transport assistance. Similar to airport luggage cart rental, wheelchair rental can be made available through the use of a simple, self-service kiosk. Non-folding, attended wheelchairs are ideal for this purpose. The use of bariatric wheelchairs will ensure that all patrons, regardless of their physical stature, are able to rent a wheelchair.
When considering implementing a rental system for wheelchairs, care should be taken to guard against theft. Wheelchairs are a high-value item, and by their nature are highly portable. Take care to choose a design cannot be folded and put into a car trunk. This will reduce loss due to theft, particularly in high-traffic environments where physical monitoring is not practical. Further, self-propelled wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs are of even greater value. A transport, or attended, wheelchair requires that the occupant be pushed, reducing black-market resale value, while not reducing utility, particularly in a temporary rental setting.
An additional benefit to non-folding designs is the lack of pinch points. A folding wheelchair can be a potential liability if an unfamiliar user where to accidentally collapse the chair inappropriately. Using an integrated system with a simple to use hand brake for the attendant will reduce the possibility of accidents, both through unintended folding and excess speed on down sloping ramps.
Bariatric wheelchair rental is an ideal option that has many benefits for everyone.
