Wheelchair comfort footrest modification
A modification to make wheelchair footrests more comfortable for a client with Cerebral Palsy.
The Challenge
Our client had just received a new wheelchair, but found the foot rests supplied with it were uncomfortable and painful over time given his particular condition and leg/foot positioning, and the fact he tends to change his foot position quite frequently during the day. Our client also tends not to wear shoes in the house and mouldings on the foot rests added to the discomfort. Remap were asked by the client if we could provide a temporary solution whilst Wheelchair Services conducted a follow up assessment to look at what variations of footrest were available for the chair, and might provide the necessary support for him longer term. Although this was potentially a temporary solution, it still needed to be completely weather proof and robust.
The solution
Harrogate and Ripon Group engineer Ian Midgley took a sheet of thick/strong HDPE plastic, and added aluminium clamps which secured it to the footrests. Heavy duty closed-cell polyolefin foam used in the production of camping mats, provided a weather resistant and comfortable and durable layer on top.
The benefit
The solution immediately alleviated the client’s pain and discomfort.
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