The Wheelchair evaluation includes obtaining background information; identifying problems and goals; assessing current function, posture, mobility, and equipment; physical examination. The entire assessment may take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete in the home.
Background information includes basic demographics, medical diagnoses, and associated conditions (including if the diagnosis is progressive), height and weight, past or planned surgeries, current therapies, family and caregiver involvement, and home and work environments. Certain medical interventions, such as orthopedic surgeries, wounds, and tone management.
Physical examination includes assessment of range of motion, muscle tone, muscle strength, reflexes, motor control, balance, skin integrity, sensation, pain, and any orthopedic asymmetries. Ideally, the client should be evaluated in a supine position and sitting on the edge of a chair to determine if adequate range of motion is present for positioning in a seating system and to determine where support is required and at what angle.
Recommendations for seating and mobility equipment should match identified client needs and goals. The fitting is truly an extension of the evaluation. Follow-up is essential to ensure that client goals continue to be met and that new needs are addressed. Most common diagnoses that require wheelchair evaluations are neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, CVA, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, TBI). There are many more conditions that qualify for a power wheelchair, so a qualified clinician should complete the evaluation. Call today for an assessment.
