Achieving Independence With Wheelchair Carriers
Finding the right wheelchair carriers is very important for handicapped individuals; they are necessary in order to live an active and unhindered lifestyle. Carriers make it easier for one to operate alone or with one other person and makes outings an easier experience for everyone. Finding the right types of wheelchair carriers and the right company to purchase these carriers from becomes a top priority to those who do not want to allow a disability to hold them back from a full and active lifestyle.
For the most independent of wheelchair users, the wheelchair carriers offered by the Braun Corporation may be the best options. These wheelchair carriers are known as Chair Toppers, and they can be placed on the roof of any hard-topped vehicle. Chair Topper wheelchair carriers operate in an amazingly simple yet complex way. The carrier has an arm that comes up from the hard case, located on the roof of the car. This arm is able to fold a folding wheelchair and place the wheelchair in the case, with the direction of a simple-to-use handheld remote. This arm is also able to lift the folding wheelchair out of the case and place it on the ground to be opened by the operator. For safety reasons, however, a small distance between the vehicle and the next vehicle is needed to operate the arm. This style of wheelchair carrier is able to grant complete independence to the operator; due to its ease, a second person is no longer needed to assist in the loading and unloading of the wheelchair, granting the handicapped individual independence.
Another style of carrier is the lift and swing style. These wheelchair carriers are mounted on the back of the vehicle by a hitch attached to the vehicle. However, this type of carrier does require some assistance to operate; it is good for the semi-independent person or a spouse’s vehicle. The lift and swing carrier is mounted on the hitch of a vehicle and allows the wheelchair to be strapped onto a lifting mechanism and lifted off the ground to a safe level. This style of carrier holds the wheelchair directly behind the vehicle. The arm that supports the wheelchair can be swung to either side of the vehicle if access to the trunk is needed, but this manner is not recommended for driving. It is preferred that individuals be able to stand and operate their torsos when working with these automated wheelchair carriers, as the controls are located on the motor beside the arm, unlike the remote-controlled Chair Topper.
The final style of wheelchair carrier is for those who are completely dependent on others due to their disabilities. This style allows the wheelchair to be lifted into the vehicle and lifted out in one unit, with the occupant still strapped safely inside the wheelchair. The wheelchair is strapped to the moving platform for safety and is operated by a control that can be used inside or outside of the van. These wheelchair carriers are offered by Braun Corporation as well.
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