Caregivers or parents of a child with cerebral palsy are forever looking for ways to make their child more independent and comfortable. Therefore, they have to be familiar with and understand the must-have features in a cerebral palsy wheelchair to improve their condition. An appropriate cerebral palsy wheelchair should include features to increase comfort, improve capabilities, and provide more freedom of movement. 

This blog explains what a perfect wheelchair should include so your loved one can enjoy their life. Read along to explore how to find the right cerebral palsy wheelchair for a productive future for your loved one.

How Can a CP Wheelchair Improve Cerebral Palsy Patients' Lives?

Think of CP wheelchairs as assistants for someone with cerebral palsy. They are more than just one chair with wheels! These special wheelchairs are customisable for any person and can provide the support they need to sit comfortably and safely. They help keep their bodies fit and healthy and make respiration easier.

However, the benefits of CP wheelchairs do not stop with physical needs. Imagine that you can go wherever you want, when you want, without needing to push yourself. What can a CP wheelchair do? They can help children join the game with friends and allow adults to go to work or family more easily. 

This freedom can make a big difference in how people feel about themselves, helping them to feel more independent, confident, and connected to the world around them. Therefore, a CP wheelchair can open a new world of possibilities and improve life.

Why Do People With Cerebral Palsy Need A Wheelchair?

There are numerous reasons why people with cerebral palsy need a wheelchair:

• It gets easy: Sometimes, walking may be exhausting, and CP patients may have an unsteady gait. A wheelchair provides reliable and energy-saving mobility. 
• Promotes freedom: Can you imagine going to school, the park, or a friend's house without help? A wheelchair can do so! 
• Helps the body to stay healthy: Special wheelchairs can offer support that helps people sit comfortably and in a good posture, which is very good for their muscles and bones. 
• Social fun: Wheelchair makes it easy to join activities with friends and family, and get interaction. 
• Supports dreams: Whether a CP patient is going to college, working, or just searching for hobbies, a wheelchair can overcome obstacles and help people live a whole life.

Cerebral Palsy Wheelchair Features Checklist

Features that an ideal cerebral palsy wheelchair must have:

Mobility level 

• Ease of Mobility: Examine if the patient can move their upper and lower limbs. Also, check if the person can handle the wheelchair without help. Don't forget to consider the weight and type.
• Removable accessories: Check if the patient can easily get in and out of the wheelchair. Look for swing-away leg rests or a lower seat height that will suit the patient.
• Headrests: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) require support for their necks and heads. Look for headrests in the seating system.

Does Cerebral Palsy Get Better With Age?

While cerebral palsy does not disappear because someone gets older, how it looks and feels can change. Think of it in this way, the initial reason for CP these abnormalities in the brain remain the same throughout life. This is not something that worsens progressively. However, as people grow, they often learn new ways to move and manage things. Therapy and being active can lead to changes in finding easy ways to create strength and do things. 

Some aspects of living with CP can improve with effort and correct support. Now, it is also true that as people age, their bodies can sometimes be troubled with joint pain or fatigue. That is why taking care of yourself and having a sound support system is healthy and vital to enjoy a better life, regardless of age. So, it is not about "being better" in a specific way but about adopting, learning and living throughout life.

What Are The Specific Physical Challenges in Cerebral Palsy?

• Accessories for comfort: CP patients often experience issues with muscle tone. So, check supports for correct alignment and comfort.
• Recline system: Does the patient have spinal bending, hip dislocation, or other issues? If the wheelchair has the right support systems, it will help correct postural problems.
• Tilting features: Wheelchair bound patients often develop pressure sores. Look for seating systems that include cushions and tilt-in-space functionality.
• Supportive seating: Correct seating with a supportive system eases respiratory problems and increases comfort.
• Adjustable support: Look for wheelchairs with adjustable headrests and neck supports to help with vision and communication.

Evolving Needs

• Adjustability: The wheelchair should be adjustable to meet the growing needs of a child with cerebral palsy (CP). So, the wheelchair should include adjustable frames and components adaptable to suit different heights and widths for evolving needs. 
• Modular Design: Some innovative wheelchairs allow for customisation to meet growth needs.

Where Will the CP Wheelchair Be Used?

Indoor or outdoor use of the wheelchair

• Check wheelchair movement through tight spaces, doorways, and hallways. See if the wheelchair can be stored in a small storage area in the house.
• Examine whether the wheelchair is made of durable materials. Quality materials will stand the rigours of rough terrains. Also, remember to check the wheels.
• Check the folding system thoroughly to see if the wheelchair is easy to transport and foldable.

Support and Positioning

• Look for adjustable seating systems that also feature a modification system for adjusting the angle of the seat and backrest.
• Check if the headrests provide sufficient support and stability for your head and neck.
• Do not overlook the lateral support pads on the sides of the wheelchair. These provide support to help in trunk alignment.

Control Mechanisms

• The wheelchair for CP must include joystick controls, switch controls, or attendant control systems if the person has hand problems.
• Wheelchairs for Cerebral Palsy patients should have adjustable leg rests and footplates for support.
• A wheelchair for CP must include support straps for the pelvic area or a belt for maintaining good posture and alignment.
• Such wheelchairs must include an anti-tip system in the wheelchair's rear to prevent tipping backwards.
• The wheelchair should include wheel locks for safe transfers and to keep the wheelchair stable in a stationary position.

What type of Equipment is used to treat Cerebral Palsy

While there are various medical interventions and specific ways to treat CP patients, there are numerous mobility aids that can help improve the condition of cerebral palsy patients:

To roam around

• Custom wheelchair: These are like individual wheelchairs, giving correct support to move independently. 
• Walker/Gait Trainer: Frames that help those who can walk slightly and remain stable and balanced. 
• Walking Canes: Handheld supports help in balance and walking. 
• Standers: Special devices that help people stand safely, even if they cannot do it alone. 

For body support

•  Braces/splints (orthotics): Like auxiliary sleeves or moulds that help keep the joints straight and support the muscles. 
• Adaptive seating: Special chairs or cushions to help people sit comfortably and safely. Standing Frame: Tools that help someone stand. 
• Lift: Mechanical devices that help people safely move from one place to another (such as from bed to chair). 

For communication 

• Communication Board: A board with pictures or words that people may indicate to talk. Speech-generating device (SGD): An electronic device that can speak to someone. Communication App: Software on a tablet or phone that helps people express themselves. 
• Writing: Tools such as an exceptional grip or boards that make writing easier. 

For daily activities 

• Adaptive utensils: Specially designed forks, spoons and knives that are easy to catch and use. 
• Dressing tools: Tools such as button hooks or assistants who help wear clothes. Bath/Toileting: Tools such as special chairs or raised seats that make personal care safe. Computer 
• Access Tool: Things such as large-button keyboards or special mice make using a computer easier. 
• Essentially, all these devices are about making everyday life more accessible and free for persons with cerebral palsy!

Benefits of Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs for Cerebral Palsy

Tilt-in-space wheelchairs have features that provide posture support and redistribute pressure for users. These specialised features offer comfortable ways for repositioning the person without changing the hip and knee angles.  

What Are The Advantages of a Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair? 

Tilt-in-space wheelchairs offer:  

• Pressure Redistribution: The Adjustable angle in the seating system helps ease pressure away from the sitting bones, reducing pressure sores. This feature benefits CP patients who sit for long hours in their wheelchairs. 
• Improved Postural Support: The patient can sit upright and stable, even with muscle control issues with cerebral palsy. Postural support features help to improve respiratory function and head control.  
• Comfort and Relaxation: The special features boost comfort, minimise fatigue, and provide relief from constant sitting in one position. Transferring patients is easier in this type of wheelchair.

What is the best Wheelchair for a Child with Cerebral Palsy?

Every child's needs are unique due to the different effects of CP on muscle tone, movement, and asana. As the child will be spending considerable time in wheelchairs, the wheelchair should provide comfortable seating, safety, and support to align the spine, hips, and head, which can help with breathing, digestion, and well-being.

Children grow quickly, so the wheelchair must ideally have characteristics that can be adjusted to accommodate their growing bodies. It must also be relatively easy to manoeuvre, transport, and maintain:

Custom seating system:

• Contour cushion to provide pressure relief and postural assistance.
• Adjustable backrest to accommodate different levels of trunk support and status needs.
• Lateral support to help maintain trunk alignment and prevent tilt.
• A headrest for support and stability for the head and neck.
• Pelvic positioning characteristics, such as hip guides and seat belts to ensure proper pelvic alignment.

Adjustable frames and components:

• Development adjustment for frame depth and width that can be modified.
• Adjustable arms and leg rests to accommodate various body sizes and provide optimal help.
• Tilt-in-space characteristics allow changes in the body's condition, which can help manage pressure, rest and fatigue.

Appropriate mobility option:

• Manual wheels for children who have the strength and coordination for self-existence. Consider light options to give easy push.
• Power Wheels for uneven terrain provide additional power to operate.
• Power wheelchairs for children who lack strength or coordination for manual propulsion offer independent mobility with various control options (joystick, switch, etc.).
• Durable frame that can withstand daily use and is easy to push, especially in tight places.
• Consider indoor/outdoor use and choose suitable tires for different areas.

Compatibility with accessories

•  Ability to attach essential items such as communication devices, activity trays, oxygen tank holders, or an adaptive switch.
• Safety features, reliable brakes, anti-tip devices, and a safe harness or belt.
• A wheelchair that the child finds attractive can positively affect their acceptance and use.

Why explore CP Wheelchairs at Scoot Mobility?

At Scoot Mobility, we offer the best wheelchair for cp child in india, that feature models with advanced tilt-in-space technology, designed to provide optimal comfort, postural support, and pressure redistribution.

• Multiple Tilt Angles: We provide customised positioning to meet patient needs and preferences.
• Adjustable Components: Our headrests, leg rests, and lateral supports ensure proper alignment and comfort.  
• Durable and Reliable Mechanisms: We customise designs for smooth and easy operation for both users and caregivers.
• Growth Adaptability: Our wheelchair models feature adjustable components that can accommodate a child's growing needs. 

Best Cerebral Palsy Wheelchair Prices in India: Key Influencing Factors

Let us look at some key drivers for price variations in wheelchairs:

• Features: Accessories such as adjustable headrests, side supports, backrests, tilt mechanisms, and special seating systems increase the total cost of a CP wheelchair..
• Customisation: Wheelchairs that have customised adjustments to suit the needs of a CP patient, including features for supporting postural needs and special accessories, are on the higher price tag side. 
• Materials: Quality wheelchairs have quality materials in frames, upholstery and supports. So, they cost more. 
• Brand: International brands that offer quality wheelchairs with more features are costlier compared to local manufacturers.
• Pediatric vs. Adult Models: Pediatric wheelchairs are suitable for meeting the growing needs of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) and include various child-friendly add-ons. These add-ons affect the price range.
• Manual vs. Powered: Powered wheelchairs for people with cerebral palsy, which offer more mobility with special control features, are more expensive than standard wheelchairs.
• Supplier and Retailer Margins: The price is affected by the set margins of wheelchair sellers.
• Accessories: Any extra components, device mounts, harnesses, pouches, or special locks will add to the final price

Conclusion

We are sure that after going through this write-up, you now have a basic idea of choosing the right cerebral palsy wheelchair with essential supportive features to meet the needs of CP patients. Right now, we can pick a wheelchair with essential seating support, customisable add-ons, and other features to make the life of our loved one easier. This is key to give our family members with cerebral palsy the best comfort and posture support possible.. A good wheelchair is an extension of the user to achieve new, productive possibilities. 

If you still have doubts, consider exploring the possibilities with Scoot Mobility. Visit Scootmobility now!

 Contact our team today for personal guidance on wheelchairs for CP. Contact us at 9591648007 today.

Explore our range of cerebral palsy wheelchairs today to give your child or loved one the mobility and independence they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. What is special about CP wheelchairs? 

Cerebral palsy wheelchairs offer support, comfort, and more independence for the user with cerebral palsy. They are also customisable to meet the user's needs. 

 B. How can I choose the right wheelchair for my child with cerebral palsy?

You can seek help from the therapist and doctor. They will assess your child’s needs. Thus, you will have an idea of your child’s special needs, which will help you choose the correct wheelchair.

C. What should I check in a CP wheelchair?

You should look for systems that suit the child’s needs, such as seating systems, accessories, headrests, footrests, pelvic straps, frame and armrests in the wheelchair.

D. Can a cerebral palsy wheelchair be customised?

Yes, it is customisable to meet the child’s specific needs. You can also pick seating systems, control systems, and supportive accessories.

E. What accessories are necessary for cerebral palsy in a wheelchair?

Some necessary accessories include:

• Special Cushions for pressure relief and comfort.
• Trays for eating, writing, or activities.
• Pouches for personal items.
• Communication devices for the user.

F. What are some maintenance tips for a CP wheelchair?

Maintenance tips include regularly checking tires, keeping the frame and upholstery clean, checking the battery, and ensuring a secure system. 

G. What are the different types of wheelchairs for cerebral palsy?

Manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs. However, there are several features in both which are helpful to cerebral palsy patients.

Manual wheelchairs for cerebral palsy should have rigid or folding frames and reclining systems to suit the users' specific needs. 

However, power wheelchairs have particular wheel selection to adapt to the user's needs. Other considerations include adaptive features, portability, and customisation options.