When it comes to wheelchairs and getting in and out of them, there’s no wonder there are high numbers of falls and near misses. A recent study in Nova Scotia, Canada indicated that of the study group “Among the 577 appropriate respondents, 57.4% reported they had completely tipped over or fallen from their wheelchairs at least once, and 66.0% reported having partially tipped.” Of this group a number were due to difficulties in transfers.
Falls are often due to wheelchair users or carers tripping on feet rests, getting clothing caught on arm rests and wheel guards or getting out of balance trying to lift over wheels to a chair or seat. Transfer boards help but they can be cumbersome to carry around and take some time to master – they’re also plain hard work and awkward. Transfers between a wheelchair and other surface often require a carer to assist, sometimes two.
With this very purpose in mind – making life easier for people using wheelchairs – trivida® wheels have been designed to make transfers quick and much easier for people using wheelchairs and their carers. The unique design allows the wheel to be divided into three components and the top component removed, allowing barrier free transfers.
Recent clinical trials indicate that trivdia wheels result in:
Fewer dangers – The study showed a significant reduction in the potential dangers in transfer situations with the trivida® wheel. Slipping and injury from sharp-edged parts of the wheelchair were seen as particularly dangerous when using one’s own wheelchair, and increased wear and tear on clothing was also described.
Fewer transfer problems – 90 percent of the study participants attest that the transfer with the trivida® wheel is made significantly easier. The use of trivida® reduces problems such as insecurity, slipping, obstruction by the wheelchair tyre and unstable position of the wheelchair during transfer.
For people using wheelcharis and their carers this can be the difference between safe and independent transfers – well worth the investment.