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The Falls Management Program

Wheelchair Comfort Information (Text Version)

Use the following measurements to determine if the wheelchair seat and armrests are the correct size for the resident.

  • Correct Seat Width: Hip width + 2 inches = _______
  • Correct Seat Depth: Thigh length - 2 inches = _______
  • Correct Armrest Height: 1 inch higher than elbow = _______

After the resident has been seated in the wheelchair for at least 1 hour, compare her position with the pictures to determine if she is seated correctly.

  • Correct position with two 90º angles [Image shows woman sitting upright in wheelchair].
  • Sliding down [Image shows man slumped and sliding down out of wheelchair].
  • Leaning over [Image shows woman sitting bent forward in wheelchair].
  • Leaning to one side [Image shows woman leaning with one arm dangling over wheelchair armrest].

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AHRQ Advancing Excellence in Health Care