Question 1

What Should I Look for in a Wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Key features to consider when choosing a wheelchair include:

Portability: This is ideal for people who move around in public areas frequently.

Weight: A lightweight chair is important for ease of storage, especially in smaller homes.

Seat support: Make sure the seat suits your posture and medical needs. Not every wheelchair suits every condition, so try multiple wheelchairs before deciding on one.

Question 2

Should I Choose a Manual or Electric Wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs and lifestyle. If you have enough arm strength, a sturdy manual wheelchair will likely be right for you, while an electric wheelchair is better for people with weaker upper-body strength.

At Karis Life, we will help you choose the right wheelchair for your needs to maximise your independence and productivity.

Question 3

Can I Take My Wheelchair On a Plane?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it will need to be checked as baggage. When you book your flight, alert the airline so they can best cater to your needs. On the day of the flight, you will need to remove any loose cushioning, provide the flight staff with assembly instructions, clearly label all equipment, and (for powered chairs) replace your batteries with gel or dry-cell batteries for safety.

Question 4

How Do I Maintain My Wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

The best way to care for your wheelchair is to check the wheel pressure and brakes regularly and inspect the bolts and screws to ensure the frame is secure. To eliminate any buildup of bacteria, dirt or grime, wipe down the seat, the wheels and the frame with warm, soapy water.

Karis Life will let you know the best way to care for your specific wheelchair model to get the most out of it.

Question 5

Can the NDIS Provide Funding for My Wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the NDIS funds different types of wheelchairs under the Capital Assistive Technology category for people with mobility impairments.

Our Occupational Therapists at Karis Life can provide an assessment that outlines your wheelchair requirements and gives the NDIS the information it needs to support your funding request.

Question 6

What Are the Different Types of Wheelchairs Available?

Accepted Answer

The different types of wheelchairs available include:

Self-propelled wheelchair: Users push themselves.

Transit/transport wheelchair: Pushed by a carer.

Folding wheelchair: Ideal for travel.

Power wheelchair: Controlled by a joystick.

Standing wheelchairs: Can move from a sitting to a standing position.

Bariatric wheelchairs: For heavier users.

Paediatric wheelchairs: For children.

Sports wheelchairs: Specialised for sports such as basketball.

All-terrain wheelchairs: Equipped with larger, rugged wheels for rougher terrain.

Question 7

Brand List for Wheelchairs

Accepted Answer

At Karis Life, we carry the following leading wheelchair brands:

Peak (including Peak Venus)

Karma (including Ergo Lite)

Days

Aspire

Merit

SitnStand

Evoke

Merits

Breezy

Socialite

PowerStroll

iGo

Quickie

Shoprider

Omega

Drive

KCare

Pride (including Jazzy)

Enduro

E-Traveller

Lite Ryder

Velocity

Moving Star

Safari

Comfort Lite

ATMOS

R-40

Link

Sentra

Escape

Question 8

NDIS Funding for Wheelchairs

Accepted Answer

The NDIS provides funding for wheelchairs under the Capital Assistive Technology category — under the mid-cost tier ($1,500–$15,000) or high-cost tier (over $15,000), depending on the model.

Question 9

How can I receive NDIS funding for a wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

NDIS plan: You need a valid NDIS plan.

OT assessment: An Occupational Therapist from Karis Life will evaluate your needs and recommend the right models for you.

Quote: Karis Life will provide a quote for the wheelchair.

Submit request: Submit your request for funding to the NDIS, including your OT assessment and quote.

Wheelchairs

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