Wheelchair Positioning for All Ages and Sizes

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Summary:

This education program begins with a discussion of Principles of Seating, followed by a review of the Seating Assessment
including the mat evaluation if time permits. PDG produces unique mobility products allowing clients to maintain and/or
improve function and independence. This seminar uses a Case History approach to connect clinical need with selected
mobility products. PDG manual tilt-in-space wheelchairs provide the ability to foot and/or hand-propel as well as excellent
environmental access in-or-out of the tilted position. PDG extra-wide bariatric wheelchairs allow optimal maneuverability
and adjustability regardless of client weight.

In addition to special-application mobility products, PDG provides custom manufacturing capabilities. Whatever the need,
PDG creates unique solutions for clients with function and independent mobility needs.

Principles of Seating

The perfect fit
Seating is a not a step by step process
Try not to judge prior seating

The Seating Assessment

Pre Mat Assessment/Interview
The Mat Physical Assessment
Set objectives/ goals
Determine product parameters - Clinical Reasoning Worksheet
Possible product options
Trial of equipment
Prescription and letter of necessity
Delivery and fitting
Follow up

Wheelchair Physics 101

Principles of weight distribution on the wheelchair and the impact on stability and mobility
80% of the person’s weight should be over the rear wheels - minimum

Tilt and Recline

Definitions
Benefits of 20⁰ of tilt (Bentley - 20⁰ Manual tilt chair for foot and/or hand propulsion)

Improved Posture
Improved breathing
Decreased fatigue
Independent mobility
Prevent sliding out of the chair
Restraint free safety

The Agitated client

(Bentley - 20⁰ Manual tilt chair for foot and/or hand propulsion, & the agitated client)

Safe environment
Equipment that lasts
Equipment that has some spring to it
Stability and mobility

Benefits of >45⁰ of tilt

(Stellar – 45⁰ Manual-tilt, Astrotilt – 50⁰ manual folding/rigid tilt chair for paediatric or adult (max 200 lb))

Improved Posture
Improved breathing
Decreased fatigue
Independent mobility
Prevent sliding out of the chair
Restraint free safety
Pressure relief

Clinical Indicators/Medical Necessity (Medicare) - Tilt

Client’s inability to perform independent pressure relief
Respiratory issues
Feeding issues
Seating/positioning tolerance issues
Can client self-propel in this tilt chair?
Document why manual recline will not meet client needs?
Why will this chair meet medical need?
What other chairs have been tried?
Be sure clinician completes a w/c eval so the provider can submit if needed with their claim – will be needed in addition to CMN

Paediatric

Assessment issues specific to the paediatric clients
Positioning
Transportation
Growth

Custom fabrication

Specialized equipment can be created to suit a clients specific needs.

Bariatrics

(Eclipse – manual chair for the bariatric client)

Center of gravity issues
Assessment issues specific to the bariatric client
Stability and mobility
Over all width
Adjustability for changing shapes and /or clients
transportability

Program Presenters

Jane Fontein, OT, jfontein@PDGmobility.com
1-888-858-4422, cell: 604-603-4045

Phil Mundy, P. Eng. pmundy@PDGmobility.com
1-888-858-4422, cell: 778-239-9233

More information about this session, including condensed Powerpoint presentations, at www.PDGmobility.com