Benefits of Indoor Wheelchairs like Freedom at Home

You don’t have to lose your independence at home with mobility issues. Indoor wheelchairs – designed for indoors – have changed the way we move around our homes. Unlike outdoor wheelchairs these chairs are designed with features to make everyday home life more manageable and enjoyable.

For many Brits with mobility issues the right indoor wheelchair can be a game changer. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a long term condition or supporting a loved one with mobility needs, understanding the benefits of indoor wheelchairs is key to making informed decisions about home mobility solutions.

Indoor Wheelchair Benefits for Home Use

1. More Manoeuvrable in Small Spaces

Standard wheelchairs struggle in typical British homes where space is at a premium. Indoor wheelchairs shine in this environment:

• Compact frame design that fits through doorways and corridors with ease

• Tighter turning circle to move between rooms

• Lightweight to position the chair exactly where you need it

Mrs. Thompson from Birmingham says: "Since I switched to my indoor wheelchair I can now access my en-suite bathroom without assistance. The narrower design means I don’t bump into doorframes anymore which has been brilliant for my confidence."

2. Customised Comfort for Long Periods of Sitting

Indoor living involves long periods of sitting so comfort is crucial:

• Ergonomic seating to prevent pressure sores during long use

• Adjustable armrests and footplates to fit different body types

• Breathable upholstery that stays comfortable in centrally heated homes

Research in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy shows that properly fitted indoor wheelchairs can reduce secondary complications by up to 65% compared to using standard chairs indoors.

3. Protection for Home Surfaces and Interiors

One often overlooked benefit is how indoor wheelchairs are designed to coexist harmlessly with home furnishings:

• Non-marking wheels that won’t damage wooden floors, tiles and carpeting

• Rubberised components that won’t scratch doorframes or furniture

• Clean-running mechanisms that don’t leave grease or dirt marks indoors

“My indoor chair has saved our newly laid oak floor,” says David from Edinburgh. “My previous chair left black marks everywhere but this one glides across without leaving a trace.”

4. Transport Around the Home

Indoor wheelchairs know not everyone needs their mobility aid all the time:

• Folding mechanism for easy storage in cupboards or under beds

• Removable parts for more compact storage options

• Lightweight frame for carers to move the chair between rooms

Weight is key here with most good indoor chairs weighing 10-15kg compared to standard chairs that often weigh over 18kg.

5. Features for Home Environments

Indoor wheelchairs have features for home use:

• Height adjustable to reach kitchen worktops and dining tables

• Seat height adjustable to transfer to sofas, beds and toilets

• Indoor braking systems for different home floors

The Disability Equipment Assessment Centre says indoor wheelchairs matched to your needs can increase independence in the home by 40%.

6. Energy Conservation for the User

Managing energy is key for many wheelchair users:

• Efficient propulsion requires less physical effort

• Responsive steering reduces daily strain

• Balanced weight distribution makes self propulsion less tiring

Dr Williams, a rehabilitation specialist at the Royal London Hospital says: "Many of our patients report significant reduction in fatigue when using indoor wheelchairs. The energy saved can then be used for meaningful activities not just basic mobility."

7. Personalised for Individual Needs

Indoor wheelchairs cater for specific requirements:

• Customisable accessories like reading trays or cup holders for home use

• Adaptive controls for those with limited hand strength

• Position adjustment options that change throughout the day for different activities

A 2023 Age UK survey found 78% of respondents who switched to indoor wheelchairs reported significant improvement in home based hobbies and activities.

8. Cost Effective Long Term Solution

While investing in an indoor wheelchair may seem like an extra expense:

• Less wear and tear on your main mobility equipment

• Lower maintenance costs due to cleaner indoor environments

• Longer life of your main wheelchair by limiting its daily use

NHS Wheelchair Service guidelines say using application specific chairs can extend the life of your mobility equipment by up to 40% which is a significant long term saving.

Choosing the Right Indoor Wheelchair

When choosing the right indoor wheelchair consider:

• Home layout assessment: Measure doorways, turning spaces and access points

• Daily activity requirements: What do you do most often

• Physical capabilities: Match the chair to your strength and mobility level

• Transfer methods: How do you transfer between surfaces"Measuring your most difficult spaces is crucial," says occupational therapist Sarah Jenkins. "I've seen many cases where 2cm has made the difference between independence and needing assistance."

Adapting Your Home for Wheelchair Use

To get the most out of your indoor wheelchair you may need to make some simple home adjustments:

• Rearrange furniture to create clear routes

• Install threshold ramps at slight level changes between rooms

• Add grab rails at transfer points

• Choose flooring that allows smooth wheelchair movement

The Centre for Accessible Environments recommends 80cm of clear width throughout the home for standard wheelchairs.

Maintenance Tips for Indoor Wheelchairs

Regular upkeep of your indoor wheelchair guarantees consistent performance:

• Weekly inspection of wheels, brakes and moving parts

• Regular cleaning of upholstery and frame

• Immediate action on any odd noises or resistance

• Scheduled professional maintenance every 6-12 months

"Most issues with indoor wheelchairs can be avoided with minimal maintenance," observes wheelchair technician James Porter. "Just keeping the wheels clean of hair and dust can avoid most typical problems."