Wheelchair Trays
Filed under Wheelchair
Wheelchair trays have many benefits whether one is confined to a wheelchair regularly or must use one from time to time. These trays make reading, writing and eating so much easier especially there are no portable tray tables around. There are many different styles and price ranges of trays, and the type selected depends on the needs of the user.
Removable Wheelchair Lap Trays
Removable wheelchair lap trays fit across the entire lap and come in many different materials and styles. Some have hook and loop straps and others have clamps or slide mounts which hold the tray securely onto the wheelchair but also make removal of the tray easy and convenient. These trays are either made of some type of hardwood or padded with a foam and vinyl cover.
There are trays which go straight across the lap and others that are cut in a semicircle or half moon shape in order to bring the tray up close to the user, at the same time allowing for maximum comfort. Some of these have rims to keep items from slipping off the tray. Depending on the features and sturdiness of the tray, prices can range from $25 up to around $100.
- Universal Wheelchair Trays – Large surface area for reading, writing and eating. Hook and loop straps keep this wheelchair tray in place and also makes it universal to fit most wheelchairs arms.
Padded Half Lap Boards
Padded half lap boards are generally designed to simply be a comfortable arm rest and work well for holding a book or possibly a drink when you don’t have other wheelchair accessories. These trays can come in a comfortable padded style and some have a convenient cup holder built right into the tray. They are permanently attached to the wheelchair but can flip up and out for easy access in and out of the wheelchair. They are available for the left or right side and cost from $100-$200.
- Padded Half Lap Boards – These padded half lap wheelchair boards are great as armrests and trays. When you need it out of the way, simply flip it up. There is also a built in cup or drink holder.
Flip Away Wheelchair Armrest Trays
Probably the best of both worlds are the flip away wheelchair armrest trays, which are generally a little larger than the padded half lap board. These also allow one to get in and out of the wheelchair without having the inconvenience of removing the tray. The trays can be made out of durable clear polycarbonate, which is a barely noticeable attachment to the wheelchair. The clear strong plastic allows caregivers and wheelchair individuals to see their laps and legs. These trays normally run $100 and up.
- Clear Flip Away Wheelchair Side Trays – Scratch resistant clear polycarbonate wheelchair side trays. The trays are clear so you can see your lap and legs.
- Large Clear Wheelchair Work Trays – Large and clear tray work surface for your wheelchair. Great as a writing desk or food tray.
The Convenience Of Wheelchair Trays
Although efforts are constantly being made to offer greater convenience to wheelchair users in public, there are times when tables are not always easily accessible. This is what makes a wheelchair tray a good solution to this problem, particularly a flip-away type. Whether one wants to sit and read while enjoying a cup of coffee, or simply needs to sign something or write a check, the benefits of these trays for use in the home and away from home are many. The wide selection can be conveniently viewed and purchased on the web.
The Benefits of Seat Harnesses
Filed under Disability, Handicap Equipment, Wheelchair
When caring for people who require adaptive chairs, seat harnesses are an absolute necessity. They allow the person in the chair to maintain a healthy and safe upright position and can make the difference between a safe home and an environment for injuries. These are not just seat harnesses for the disabled. Inexpensive to install and easy to clean, seat harnesses are the perfect addition for any person who uses a transport wheelchair, needs secure support on a feeding chair or for those who lack the necessary back strength to stay perfectly upright.
What Are Seat Harnesses?
Seat harnesses are essentially slings that attach to the chair and wrap around the person’s torso. They typically consist of bands that are several inches wide for comfort. They are used to keep a person held back against a dining chair or wheelchair for safety.
When a handicapped person is unable to maintain a straight, seated position the risk for injury is great. Constantly slumping over makes it difficult to breathe and swallow increasing the risk of aspiration or other medical problem. It also causes back pain that the person may or may not be able to vocalize. These seat harnesses act like wheelchair posture belts to keep the person upright.
Buy Best Recommended Seat Harnesses
How To Keep A Person Still When Feeding?
A feeding harness is the perfect solution to this problem of a person, child or baby that constantly moves when feeding. It will keep the person seated upright to minimize the risk of choking or aspiration into the lungs. Proper harnesses allow you to keep your loved one in a home environment longer without the risk of injuries that come from improper seating positions.
Chair Harnesses for Transport
When transferring a person in a wheelchair from one location to another, gait belts are quite helpful but harnesses are also necessary when transporting the person. Even a handicapped person who has strong back muscles and the ability to sit upright unassisted can benefit from a chair harness when leaving the house to go to the store. The harness will help keep him or her safely upright, even when the transportation van is coming to a stop or if you have to bring the chair to a sudden stop in the store. Avoid dangerous injuries when traveling with your loved one by investing in a quality wheelchair harness.
Harnesses are simple to install to an adaptive chair and can be purchased from your local supplier. Ideally they should be hand washed although they can be run through the machine on the gentle cycle if heavily soiled. They should never be placed in the dryer as that could damage the material.
Tags: Chair Harnesses for Transport, Wheelchair Posture Belts
