Why is peer support important?

By sharing lived experience, peer support mentors can provide practical guidance and understanding of your experiences with spinal cord injury. A peer support mentor can help you to solve challenges and create strategies that can help you to continue living a fulfilling life after a spinal cord injury.

How do I meet other people who have experienced spinal cord injury?

Ask us about joining a ‘Push Thru’ event, where you can meet other people living with spinal cord injury in your region. These events are inclusive, an opportunity to encourage others, share your experiences in a welcoming environment and be inspired. We also facilitate an inclusive community through our recreation programs and peer support groups.

How can peer support help me?

Peer support can empower you to feel seen and connected. You can learn new skills and strategies, discover new perspectives and provide encouragement to others. Our Peer Support Program gives you someone to talk to who has experienced spinal cord injury.

Wheelchair maintenance and equipment support

What you need to know

If you use a wheelchair or other assistive equipment, keeping it well-maintained is important for your safety, comfort, and independence.

Regular maintenance helps ensure your equipment continues to perform properly and reduces the risk of breakdowns or issues that may affect your mobility and daily life.

This doesn’t just apply to wheelchairs. Other equipment, such as pressure cushions, mattresses, and hoists, also require regular checks and maintenance.

Why wheelchair maintenance matters

Your wheelchair is a key part of your everyday life, so even small issues can quickly become frustrating or unsafe if left unchecked.

Regular maintenance can help:

Improve safety and reliability
Extend the life of your equipment
Prevent avoidable repairs
Improve comfort and performance
Reduce the risk of pressure injuries or strain

Over time, many people learn to complete basic maintenance themselves, while others prefer to use professional repair and servicing providers.

As a general guide, it’s recommended that wheelchairs are professionally serviced every 12 months.

Things to check regularly

Some simple maintenance checks you can do include:

Checking tyre pressure and tyre tread
Testing your brakes and ensuring they are working properly
Keeping upholstery clean and dry (i.e., padding, fabric, leather)
Cleaning your wheelchair frame regularly
Monitoring battery performance and charging if using a powered wheelchair

If you notice your chair battery taking longer to charge or running flat more quickly than usual, it may be time for replacement or servicing.

Don’t forget your other equipment

Other assistive equipment may also need ongoing maintenance or review, including:

Pressure cushions
Mattresses
Hoists
Shower commodes and chairs
Transfer equipment

Occupational Therapists can help assess whether your equipment is still meeting your needs and recommend repairs, upgrades or replacements if required.

Looking for new equipment?

As your needs and lifestyle change, you may benefit from different equipment options or assistive technology.

This could include:

Manual or powered wheelchairs
Pressure care cushions
Seating and positioning supports
Mobility and transfer equipment

Not sure where to look for purchasing equipment? Check out some providers under ‘Helpful Resources’ or chat to our Occupational Therapists.

At estara, our Occupational Therapists can work with you to explore suitable equipment options and help guide funding and assessment processes where needed.

Helpful Resources

Here are some helpful links to equipment providers: