Dave Cooper knows first-hand how important having the right equipment and aids can be.
The former mechanical labourer and barman was just 21 years-old when he was hit by a car in Mangere and suffered a traumatic brain injury. It changed the course of his life and he has been wheelchair bound ever since.
In the 30 years since his accident, Dave has designed wheelchair gloves to help support the palms and wrists of fellow paraplegics, as well as quadriplegia and tetraplegia sufferers. In recent years he’s also worked alongside the Otara Spinal Unit to manufacture hand aids to help people hold cutlery or stylus pointers when they have limited use of their hands or fingers.
Dave’s own day-to-day routine was recently transformed after Cubro supplied and fitted a new Alltrack R3 hybrid rear-wheel drive power wheelchair which can also tilt and elevate.
“The Alltrack powered chair enables me to go further and see more around Auckland as I am medically unfit to drive since my accident,” he explains.
Dave likes to keep healthy and fit, so regularly goes to the gym and continues to use a sports manual self-propelling chair. However, that takes a long time to travel any distance. He found his previous electric wheelchair uncomfortable so used it as little as possible. That’s now all changed.
“My new wheelchair is much more comfortable, and I use it every day. I love having the tilt option so I can get some pressure relief on my backside by tilting and putting the pressure on my lower back instead.”
“I also love the lift and elevate function which my previous chair didn’t have but this chair does. I often use it, especially when out shopping. There are times I can’t reach something on a shelf and there’s no one available for me to ask for help. But this function comes in handy and I use it a lot.”
We also spoke with Henry Bertulfo, our Wheelchair and Seating Solutions Specialist, who worked closely with Dave and his Therapist. Henry said, “This solution is a great example of collaborative working with the Occupational Therapist. I was provided with relevant background history of Dave in relation to his medical condition, wheelchair history and the desired outcome of the wheelchair and seating assessment. This overview included specific physical measurements and environmental access requirements.”
Dave and his Occupational Therapist were seeking a reliable and sturdy wheelchair capable of outdoor use but compact and manoeuvrable enough to access Dave's home environment. Given these requirements “there was really only one chair from Cubro's power wheelchair range that fit the bill, and that is the Alltrack R3 Hybrid rear-wheel drive”.
This solution is built to tackle outdoor terrain, but unlike traditional rear-wheel drive wheelchairs, which tend to be less maneuverable indoors, the Alltrack R3 is designed to mimic a mid-wheel drive power wheelchair. With a compact wheelbase and tight turning ability, it also performs well indoors.
Dave said, Henry was excellent to work with. “All of my appointments have been at a suitable time for me and my daily routine and care.”
“My advice about this power chair is to go for it as it will be a decision you won’t regret. I have had chairs in the past that were continually breaking down, but this Alltrack powered wheelchair has been brilliant.”
To find out more about our range of power wheelchairs, please get in touch with our team.
Cubro case studies are based on actual testimonials provided by real customers and users of our solutions. In some testimonials to protect the identity of the users, we have changed a name and used a stock photo. Our case studies describe our past work with customers and users, and detail solutions that have improved their quality of life. As each individual user has a unique set of needs and requirements, the content in these case studies should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a registered clinician.