Permobil Power Wheelchair Guide

Power Wheelchair Guide

A comprehensive introduction to optimizing power mobility for your client's function

This guide is intended to help equip therapists to make the most appropriate mobility recommendations for their clients and will increase their confidence and knowledge of power mobility.

Purpose of this Guide

Wheeled mobility options can be overwhelming, and it's important to understand when it is clinically appropriate to move to power mobility. This guide is intended to help therapists:  Understanding the qualifications for both manual and power wheelchairs

• Understand the anatomy and functionality of a power wheelchair

• Understand the power wheelchair bases and what base is most appropriate for a client

• Understand the power seat function options and what is most appropriate for a client

• Understand the seating, accessory and drive options that can come on a power wheelchair

• Understand the process of evaluation all the way to delivery of a power wheelchair

Our hope is that this guide will equip therapists to make the most appropriate mobility recommendations for their clients and will increase their confidence and knowledge of power mobility.

This guide is meant to be a comprehensive introduction to power mobility. For advanced learning opportunities, visit the education tab at permobilus.com

This guide is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. This guide was created using process and funding guidelines for the United States, including Medicare terminology.

Considerations for Determining if Powered Mobility is Appropriate

A variety of factors must be considered when determining if powered mobility is the appropriate solution for your client.

Start with the client and their unique medical, functional, and environmental needs. The following are some considerations to get you started. There are likely other factors that apply to your specific scenario as well. Just remember, the goal is safe and efficient mobility in all necessary environments!

 

Client presentation

• Client presents with limitations to range of motion of the upper extremity joint

• Client is unable to self-propel a manual wheelchair for a full day, and perform mobility related activities of daily living tasks

• Client presents with limited strength/weakness of the upper extremities

• Caregiver needs assistance to safely manage manual wheelchair up ramps, into van, and for longer distances

• Client has difficulties or is unable to cross the street in a safe amount of time

• Client has postural deformities/postural instability, and these are worsened through strain of propulsion

• Client presents with high risk of upper extremity overuse injury

• Client presents with pain in upper extremities

• Client presents with risk of skin and tissue breakdown, or has a history of skin/tissue breakdown, and would benefit from power seat function(s)

• Client is unable to manage inclines, uneven terrain, thresholds within the home, or changes in flooring

• Client has a history of repetitive strain injury, such as rotator cuff or carpal tunnel syndrome

• Client is unable to transport items within the home, or outside the, home, and propel at the same time

• Client presents with decreased endurance/fatigue

• Client presents with fluctuations in muscle tone/spasticity

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