Wheelchair Setup, Care, and Daily Use: A Complete Guide

Adjusting to life in a wheelchair takes time. A wheelchair is more than equipment. It supports your comfort, health, and independence every day. How it is set up affects how you feel at home, at work, or when out. Poor setup can cause posture problems, pain, or skin damage. Setting up a wheelchair correctly improves comfort and safety every day.

Many people rely on a wheelchair for most of the day. Comfort and reliability are important. Your chair should support your body, reduce pressure, and move smoothly across different surfaces. With care, a wheelchair can last for years.

This guide covers the steps for correctly fitting and adjusting a wheelchair. It covers cushions, posture, skin care, accessories, and maintenance. This guide gives advice you can put into practice immediately.

The Importance of Proper Setup

A wheelchair must fit you. If it doesn’t, problems appear quickly. A wheelchair should match your body. When it does not, problems can start quickly. A chair that doesn’t fit properly can cause bad posture, pressure on the skin, and constant discomfort, which may affect your health in the long run.

Many users are in chairs that do not match their bodies. Sometimes this is because the chair was used straight from the supplier. Sometimes it is because the user’s body changed, but the chair was not updated.

Professional help is useful. Wheelchair services, suppliers, or occupational therapists can measure accurately. They check seat width, depth, and other details that are easy to miss at home. Getting it right at the start prevents later problems.

Key Measurements for a Good Fit

Six measurements matter most when choosing or setting up a wheelchair. Each affects comfort, posture, and long-term health.

• Seat Width
  Wide enough for hips, narrow enough to reach wheels. If it is too tight, it can cause pain and raise the chance of pressure sores.

• Seat Depth
  Should stop about two inches before the back of the knees. Too short reduces thigh support.

• Seat Height
  Matches your height and footrest use.

• Footrest Length
  Supports legs without lifting thighs. Too long, feet dangle; too short, knees push up.

• Armrest Height
  Supports arms comfortably. Too high causes tense shoulders. Too low makes the body lean.

• Back Height
  Low backs allow movement. High backs with headrests give extra support when needed.

Check all settings together. Even one incorrect setting can throw off your posture, even when the rest are right.

Adjusting Wheelchair Components

Many wheelchairs have adjustable parts. Small changes can improve comfort, safety, and independence.

• Footplates – Adjustable for leg length. Some swing away to make transfers easier. Elevated rests support legs after surgery.

• Armrests – Can be fixed, removable, or height-adjustable. Cut-away arms allow access to tables.

• Brakes – Apply during transfers. Some chairs have attendant brakes for carers.

• Wheels – Pneumatic tyres provide a smoother ride but can puncture. Solid tyres do not puncture but feel firmer. Anti-tip wheels prevent backward falls.

• Wheel Position – Moving the rear axle forward improves manoeuvrability but reduces stability.

• Seatbelts – Pelvic belts improve posture and prevent sliding. Should be firm but not tight.

Even small adjustments improve safety and comfort.

Daily Comfort and Health

Sitting in a wheelchair for long hours can place strain on the body. Being comfortable relies on keeping a good posture, regularly shifting to reduce pressure, using suitable cushions, and looking after your skin.

Posture

Good posture keeps the body aligned and reduces strain.

• Sit with hips back.

• Knees at right angles.

• Feet flat on footrests.

• Back supported, head upright.

Pressure Relief

Sitting too long increases risk of pressure sores. Relieve pressure every 15–30 minutes by:

• Leaning side to side.

• Leaning forward over knees.

• Lifting with arms if possible.

• Using tilt or recline functions on powered chairs.

Skin Care

Check skin daily for redness, blisters, or swelling. Risk increases if:

• Sitting too long.

• Sliding in the chair.

• Skin is moist from sweat or incontinence.

• Diet or hydration is poor.

• Medical conditions like diabetes exist.

Keep skin clean and dry. Wash with mild soap and moisturise.

The Role of Wheelchair Cushions

Cushions spread weight, reduce pressure, and increase comfort. Choosing the right cushion depends on your risk and daily use.

Types of Cushions

• Foam – Simple, low risk.

• Memory foam – Moulds to body, steady support.

• Gel or foam-gel – Medium risk, absorbs movement and heat.

• Air or advanced gel – High risk, strong pressure relief.

Cushion Thickness

Thicker cushions may change seating height, armrest, and footrest positions. Adjust the chair if needed.

Cushion Care

• Wash covers regularly.

• Check for wear or compression.

• Replace cushions that no longer support.

MobilityShop offers memory foam and gel cushions suited for different needs. NHS guidance also highlights cushions as a key part of pressure care.

Useful Accessories

Accessories make daily life easier and safer. The right items depend on your lifestyle.

Common accessories:

• Gait belts – help with transfers.

• Transfer boards – bridge gaps to beds, cars, sofas.

• Wheelchair bags – carry shopping or personal items.

• Portable ramps – provide easier access over kerbs and minor steps.

• Reacher grabbers – extend reach for objects.

• Wheelchair gloves – protect hands outdoors.

• Adaptive clothing – easier dressing when seated.

• Headrests and leg straps – support posture.

• Wheel covers – protect indoor floors.

MobilityShop offers a wide range of products to suit different needs.

Wheelchair Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps a wheelchair stay safe to use and work reliably. Regular checks prevent accidents and extend life. Professional servicing is recommended yearly.

Basic Maintenance Checklist

• Clean surfaces with a damp cloth.

• Check the tyres often and keep air-filled tyres at the recommended pressure.

• Spin wheels to ensure smooth movement.

• Oil moving parts 2–3 times a year.

• Inspect frame for cracks or loose joints.

• Store indoors if possible.

Why Maintenance Matters

• Prevents breakdowns outdoors.

• Reduces risk of accidents.

• Saves money on repairs.

• Extends chair life.

Even small checks, like tightening bolts, prevent bigger issues.

Mobility Outside the Home

Being independent often means travelling safely. Planning helps most trips.

Car Transfers

• Park with space.

• Position chair close to car door.

• Apply brakes and swing footrests out of the way.

• Use a gait belt if needed.

• Pivot carefully into the car seat.

• Guide legs inside once seated.

Outdoor Surfaces

• Smooth, flat paths are easiest.

• Grass or gravel needs more effort.

• Sand should be avoided.

• Cobbles or rough surfaces can strain the body.

Public Transport

• Most UK buses are wheelchair accessible.

• Train stations provide ramps if booked in advance.

• Disabled Persons Railcard offers discounts.

• For more info, see gov.uk – public transport accessibility

FAQs

How often should I check my wheelchair?
Weekly checks of brakes, tyres, and wheels help prevent accidents. Professional servicing yearly is recommended.

Can I travel with a power wheelchair?
Yes, with prior notice to airlines or transport services. Some batteries must be approved for air travel.

What cushion is best for preventing pressure sores?
Gel, foam-gel, or air cushions are ideal for medium to high-risk users. Memory foam suits low-risk users.

How do I maintain tyres?
Air-filled tyres need correct pressure. Solid tyres should be checked for cracks and wear.

Which accessories are essential?
Gait belts, transfer boards, and wheelchair bags are common essentials. Others depend on daily routines.