Modern wheelchairs have capabilities to improve sitting posture

Modern wheelchairs have capabilities to improve sitting posture, reduce risk of skin breakdown for at-risk individuals, promote independence in the home and community, and ease physical burden for caregivers.  However, proper size, fit, and positioning in the chair are essential to optimize the benefits.  Carondelet St. Mary’s Outpatient Rehabilitation is proud to offer a Wheelchair Seating and Mobility clinic at least twice a month for individuals throughout southern Arizona.  The professional team is knowledgeable in medical conditions associated with wheelchair use and provides a specialized service for wheelchair users.  Carondelet’s service offers careful individualized evaluation and problem solving to find the optimal fit for comfort, safety, and independence.

In the wheelchair clinic, each client is scheduled for a 90 minute one-on-one session with the team consisting of a physical therapist and an Assistive Technology Professional.  The appointment begins by discussing the individual’s history and mobility goals, and then a physical examination is performed.  After the physical exam, time is devoted to deciding upon the most appropriate type of wheelchair including manual and power wheelchairs, trialing cushion and backrest samples, and exploring additional specifications tailored to the client’s needs. Another notable feature is Pressure Mapping for those individuals at risk for pressure sores.  This is a very thin, computerized mat which is placed on the client’s cushion before the client is seated in the wheelchair.   The mat provides detailed information about pressure distribution and is an informative tool while trialing cushions for the best pressure relief.   After the clinic, it typically takes two to three months for insurance authorization and wheelchair delivery.  Upon delivery to the client, follow up visits are scheduled to make final adjustments and provide education as necessary for safety and wheelchair use.

So how does a person know if he or she is appropriate for the Wheelchair Seating and Mobility clinic? The important fact to consider is if the condition limits the individual’s ability to walk safely in the home and the community.  There are many physical disabilities commonly associated with wheelchair use, including spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, degenerative neurological disorders, lower limb amputations, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, a.k.a.  Lou Gehrig’s Disease), arthritic conditions, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and frequent falls.

Carondelet’s Seating and Mobility Clinic serves people who are seeking their first wheelchairs and individuals who already have experience with wheelchair use.  Many individuals are referred to the clinic for their first wheelchairs due to progressively declining ability to safely stand and walk.  The clinic is also appropriate for people who currently use wheelchairs and are in need of a new wheelchair.  Daily wheelchair use results in normal wear and tear, therefore many insurance companies pay for a wheelchair replacement every five years.   Current wheelchair users may also qualify for a new wheelchair or modifications to the existing chair if there has been a significant change in status such as new onset pressure sores, new onset pain, and progressive loss of motor function limiting the ability to shift weight in the chair, drive the chair, or transfer.

If you are interested in a wheelchair evaluation, please first discuss your needs with your physician.  In order to schedule an appointment you will need a prescription for “Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Evaluation”.  This service is covered by most insurance companies.  If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Jill at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital at (520) 872-6244. Prescriptions can be faxed to (520)872-2196.