Wheelchair and Seating Therapist

Wheelchair and Seating Therapist

Many children and adults with neurological conditions require wheelchairs to assist with their mobility and living needs. Finding the right wheelchair requires knowledge, expertise, understanding of the market, and a comprehensive understanding of your unique requirements.

What does a wheelchair therapist do?

Our dedicated team of experienced wheelchair therapists are physiotherapists who can support your treatment by:

  • Working collaboratively with our therapists, carers and family
  • Assessing any existing equipment
  • Overseeing testing and trialling of new equipment
  • Accessing NDIS funding
  • Fitting new and existing wheelchairs
  • Offering corrective posture and comfort support
  • Developing daily chair routines
  • Offering operational wheelchair training in at-home and social settings
  • Developing and teaching safe wheelchair transfer methods
  • Using wheelchairs in conjunction with other disability aids

 

When is a wheelchair required?

Wheelchairs provide a alternative mobility aid for people who have limited capacity to stand and walk, or require postural supports when sitting. Wheelchairs come in many different types with customisable pieces to support individual needs. Factors such as weight, transportability, technological features, adaptations and customisations are some important considerations that needs to be made when deciding how a wheelchair is put together.

How is a wheelchair prescribed?

At Klint, our wheelchair and seating therapists work together with you to help you prescribe the right wheelchair for your individual needs. A wheelchair assessment and trial involves:

  • Assessing your medical needs and goals
  • Assessing your home for any required modifications
  • A trial period of up to two weeks of the proposed wheelchair model
  • Accessing NDIS funding to purchase the correct wheelchair

 

Contact us for more information on how our wheelchair therapists can support you in accessing the right wheelchair for your needs. 

What kind of wheelchairs are available?

There are many different models and kinds of wheelchairs available on the market depending on your specific needs and requirements. These include:

  • Manual wheelchairs to help those who cannot walk or have mobility restrictions
  • Folding wheelchairs for travel and those who do not require permanent support
  • TIlt-in wheelchairs for long-term users requiring trunk support
  • Princess Air Chair for those who have higher support requirements in at-home settings
  • Powered and electric scooters for those wanting to travel independently within the home and community

 

Contact us to speak with a Klint wheelchair therapist about the best options for your individual circumstances and NDIS funding options.

Can my wheelchair be modified?

When used correctly, wheelchairs can be an essential asset to a person’s quality of life. Klint’s wheelchair and seating therapists can work with you to fit a new chair or refit an existing wheelchair. Modifications can include:

  • Selecting the correct seat and cushioning
  • Assessing trunk support
  • Assessing the heights of arm and foot supports
  • Setting the locations of controls
  • Fitting the correct wheels
  • Using wheelchairs in conjunction

 
Contact us to organise an assessment of your existing wheelchair and discuss cost-effective and NDIS funding options.