I cannot tell you how many times I have sold a wheelchair for >$400 and have, upon finding out the occupant is going to sit therein for 5+ hours a day, recommended a cushion more expensive than the chair itself. People will snort and wave their hand- "she doesn't get pressure sores" they say. Here are some facts about pressure sores:
- I have heard stories of people who have zero feeling below the waist and sensitive skin developing an early-stage pressure sore within 20 minutes
- In 2001 there was a study that showed that the effective therapy and healing of a pressure ulcer (at that point) on average cost $61,000
- Pressure sores don't just 'pop-up' on sick people: anyone can develop a pressure ulcer. The reason you or I may not get one is that we are constantly "readjusting" all the time- shifting your body around because you are uncomfortable. Mrs. Jones at 80 years old, despite looking and feeling VERY health, could easily develop a pressure sore just by sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
- You can deteriorate quite quickly from healthy to deathbed from a pressure sore should they reach 'Stage 4'
Now, with all that in mind, this doesn't mean you definitely need a $750 cushion simply because you are in a chair all day (although I can almost guarantee that if you did have one you wouldn't get a pressure sore!). What is does mean is that you should consider pressure before you let someone sit in a chair for more than 2 hours. Speak to a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist and get an assessment done using the Waterlow Scale and\or the Norton and Braden Scales- you may only need a basic $75 memory-foam cushion. However please, just ask someone before you assume that the salesperson is trying to up-sell you. They could be saving your life.