Looking to understand what happens during a powered wheelchair assessment?
We’ve put together this helpful guide to answer your most important questions around the evaluation process and how a tailored assessment ensures you get the right powerchair for your needs.
What to Expect from a Powered Wheelchair Assessment
Choosing a powered wheelchair is about far more than selecting a piece of equipment. The right chair can improve independence, comfort, posture and overall quality of life, which is why every powered wheelchair assessment we carry out is tailored to the individual.
At Midshires, we believe that understanding you or your client’s lifestyle, goals and challenges is the first step towards finding the most suitable solution.
Here’s what you can expect from a powered wheelchair assessment.
Step One: Getting to Know You
Every powered wheelchair assessment begins with an initial telephone or video consultation.
This gives us the opportunity to discuss the current situation, understand the challenges faced in everyday life and most importantly, learn what you or your client wants to achieve from a powered wheelchair.
Whether the priority is maintaining independence around the home, getting out into the community, improving comfort or enhancing postural support, these conversations help us prepare for a meaningful evaluation wheelchair assessment that focuses on individual needs.
Step Two: Choosing the Right Assessment Location
Once we’ve discussed the main requirements, we’ll arrange a comprehensive powered wheelchair assessment at a location that best suits you or your client.
A Free Wheelchair Assessment at Home, Work or School
Many of our clients choose a free wheelchair assessment in their own home, work or school.
Having a free wheelchair assessment in the environment where the powered wheelchair will be used every day allows us to see how it interacts with the surroundings. We can assess door widths, flooring, access routes and transfers while ensuring the recommended powered or manual wheelchair is compatible with the home and daily routine.
This helps identify any potential obstacles before equipment is supplied and gives the client confidence that the wheelchair will fit seamlessly into their lifestyle.
Assessment at Our Headquarters
Alternatively, you’re welcome to visit our centrally located headquarters in Rugeley, Staffordshire.
One of the biggest advantages of attending our headquarters is having access to a wide range of electric wheelchairs, seating systems and specialist equipment. This allows our clients to compare different options and experience the benefits of various features before making a decision.
Whichever location is chosen, we will deliver exactly the same personalised professional evaluation wheelchair assessment. And if you or the client are unsure which assessment method is best, we can always offer advice on what we think is best for you.
Working Together
Understanding how public healthcare services evaluate your specific mobility needs can help you prepare for the practical questions you will face during your appointment. Where possible, we encourage an Occupational Therapist (OT) or other healthcare professional to attend a powered wheelchair assessment.
Working collaboratively ensures everyone involved has the opportunity to contribute towards finding the most appropriate and effective solution. By combining clinical knowledge with the end user’s experiences and goals, we can make informed recommendations that support both current and future needs.
Step Three: A Truly Personal Assessment
No two people are the same and neither are their seating requirements.
During a powered wheelchair assessment, we’ll take detailed measurements to ensure your wheelchair is correctly sized and fitted. A chair that fits properly is not only more comfortable but also safer, more functional and better able to support your daily activities.
We also carry out an evaluation wheelchair assessment, looking at you or your client’s seated balance, symmetry and positioning. Small adjustments to seating and support can often make a significant difference to comfort, pressure management, fatigue and overall function.
Our highly experienced team will discuss any difficulties day-to-day and provide impartial advice and practical solutions that could make everyday tasks easier.
Step Four: Finding the Right Specification
Once we’ve identified the most appropriate powered wheelchair, we’ll talk through the recommended specification in detail.
We’ll explain the benefits of different seating options, control systems, powered functions and accessories, ensuring everyone understands how each feature can improve independence, comfort and day-to-day life.
Rather than recommending unnecessary extras, we focus on providing the equipment that will genuinely benefit you both now and in the future.
Why an Evaluation Wheelchair Assessment Matters
A powered wheelchair is a significant investment in independence and wellbeing.
Taking the time to carry out a thorough powered wheelchair assessment helps ensure the powered wheelchair:
- Fits the body correctly.
- Supports good posture and long-term comfort.
- Meets functional needs.
- Works within the home and everyday environments.
- Can adapt as needs may change.
- Gives confidence to use it safely and effectively.
Our aim isn’t simply to supply a type of wheelchair, it’s to provide a solution that enhances quality of life.
Looking to the Future
Mobility needs and lifestyle may change over time. Changes in health, posture or daily activities can all influence how well a powered wheelchair continues to meet a client’s needs.
While frequent reassessments aren’t always necessary, it’s probably a good idea to seek a review if there are changes in posture, comfort, mobility or functional requirements. A reassessment allows us to ensure the powered wheelchair continues to provide the support, positioning and functionality needed as circumstances change.
Alongside this, we strongly recommend having a powered wheelchair serviced annually. Regular servicing helps keep the chair operating safely and efficiently, allowing any wear and tear to be identified early while ensuring all components continue to perform as intended.
We’re Here to Help
Whether considering the first powered wheelchair or looking to replace an existing chair, our experienced team is here to guide you or your client through every stage of the process.
Our assessments at Midshires are designed to provide confidence that a wheelchair has been chosen specifically for that client, helping achieve greater independence, improved comfort and a better quality of life.
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