What To Consider When Choosing A Wheelchair For An Elderly Person

Written By Cardiologist

As we grow older, our mobility needs can change and sometimes require additional support.

Choosing the right wheelchair for an elderly loved one is an important decision and can be a challenging task.

With the right guidance, it is possible to find a wheelchair that meets the needs of your elderly family member without compromising on comfort and safety.

This expert guide to choosing the right wheelchair for the elderly will provide you with the information and resources necessary to make an informed decision.

From the types of wheelchairs available to the features and safety considerations, this guide will help you choose the best wheelchair for your elderly family member.

What to consider when choosing a wheelchair for an elderly person

Choosing the right wheelchair for an elderly person can be a daunting task. The right wheelchair should be comfortable, safe, and fit the user’s lifestyle.

When choosing a wheelchair for an elderly person, there are several important factors to consider:

Mobility needs: Consider the individual’s mobility needs and the type of terrain they will be using the wheelchair on. For example, if the person will be using the wheelchair primarily indoors, a lightweight and compact wheelchair might be more appropriate. If the person will be using the wheelchair outside on uneven terrain, a heavier-duty wheelchair with larger wheels and suspension might be more suitable.

Comfort: The elderly person’s comfort should be a top priority. Look for a chair that has a comfortable and supportive seat and backrest, as well as adjustable armrests and footrests.

Safety: Safety is a crucial consideration when choosing a wheelchair for an elderly person. Look for a chair that has a sturdy construction, locking brakes, and adjustable seat belts.

Size and weight: Look for a chair that is the right size and weight for the elderly person. The chair should be easy for them to maneuver and transport.

Customizable options: Look for a chair that offers customizable options such as adjustable seat and backrest angles, adjustable footrests, and detachable armrests.

Easy to maintain: Look for a wheelchair that is easy to clean and maintain to ensure it will last a long time.

Types of wheelchairs available For the Elderly

There are a variety of different types of wheelchairs available. Wheelchairs come in many different types for a variety of different needs. Some of the most common types of wheelchairs for the elderly are standard wheelchairs, travel wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and powerchairs.

Standard wheelchairs are portable, foldable, and can be easily transported in cars, on public transportation, and on airplanes. However, standard wheelchairs are not designed for outdoor use and are not generally as comfortable or stable as other types of wheelchairs.

Travel wheelchairs are designed for outdoor use and are perfect for shorter-term use. If a loved one needs to use a wheelchair while on vacation, a travel wheelchair is likely the best choice. Transport wheelchairs have fold-out footrests that can be used if the user needs to be transported in a car.

Sit-to-stand wheelchairs are designed for indoor and outdoor use. These wheelchairs are a hybrid of a standard wheelchair and a standing wheelchair.

Sit-to-sit wheelchairs are designed for indoor use and are commonly used by those with limited mobility due to weak leg muscles.

Standing wheelchairs are designed for outdoor use and are commonly used by those with weak or paralyzed legs.

Factors to consider when selecting a wheelchair

Weight

Wheelchairs are available in different weights, depending on the person’s weight. It’s important to select a wheelchair that’s lightweight, as this will make it easier for the person to maneuver and transport the wheelchair. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the person selects a wheelchair with a weight capacity that’s suitable for their weight.

Size

Wheelchairs are available in a variety of different sizes, depending on the person’s size. It’s important to make sure the wheelchair is the right size to ensure the person’s comfort and safety. It’s important to consider if the person will be using the wheelchair for indoor or outdoor use.

Mobility And Maneuverability

It’s important to select a wheelchair that’s the right type for the person’s condition. If the wheelchair will be used for both indoor and outdoor use, it’s best to select a wheelchair that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cost

Wheelchairs come in a variety of different price points. It’s important to select a wheelchair that’s within the person’s budget.

It’s important to note that there are different types of wheelchairs available, and the price of a wheelchair will vary depending on the type of wheelchair selected.

Standard wheelchairs are the most affordable type of wheelchair and can cost between $200-$1,000.
Sit-to-stand wheelchairs are a hybrid of a standard wheelchair and a standing wheelchair. They are a bit more expensive than standard wheelchairs and can cost between $600-$5,000.
Sit-to-sit wheelchairs are designed for indoor use and are commonly used by those with weak leg muscles. They are the most affordable type of wheelchair and can cost between $300-$1,000.
Standing wheelchairs are designed for outdoor use and are commonly used by those with weak or paralyzed legs. They are the most expensive type of wheelchair and can cost between $1,000-$20,000.

Researching wheelchairs

Selecting the right wheelchair for an elderly person is a difficult decision. It’s important to research the different types of wheelchairs available. This will help to ensure that the wheelchair selected is the best type of wheelchair for the person and their specific needs.

Additionally, it’s important to understand the various features and components of different types of wheelchairs to help select the right wheelchair for the elderly person. Online forums are a great place to read about the different types of wheelchairs available.

It’s also helpful to read about other people’s experiences with different types of wheelchairs. This will help to determine which wheelchair is best for the elderly person.

Ensuring the wheelchair meets the user’s individual requirements

Once the right wheelchair has been selected, it’s important to ensure that the wheelchair meets the user’s individual requirements. Make sure that the wheelchair is adjusted to the person’s height and length.

Additionally, it’s important to make sure the wheelchair has the correct back and seat support to ensure the person’s comfort and has the correct footrests and handgrips to ensure the person’s safety.

Ensuring the wheelchair meets the user’s individual requirements will help to ensure that the elderly person is comfortable and safe when using the wheelchair.

Safety Considerations for Wheelchairs for the Elderly people

Safety is the most important consideration when choosing a wheelchair for the elderly. Wheelchairs vary widely in terms of safety, size, and weight capacity. It is important to select a wheelchair that is large and stable enough to support the user’s weight and can safely support the additional weight of a loved one who is likely to sit on the user’s lap.

Additionally, it is important to select a wheelchair that is equipped with safety features such as a seat belt, arm restraints, and leg supports. These safety features will help to prevent the user from falling out of the wheelchair and injuring themselves.

If your loved one is just beginning to use a wheelchair, it is important to provide them with the proper training and support. Make sure that your loved one has someone to help them get in and out of the wheelchair and knows how to operate it safely. Additionally, make sure that your loved one has someone who can help them navigate around their home safely in a wheelchair.

Wheelchair Accessories for the Elderly

There are many different types of wheelchair accessories that can make the wheelchair experience more comfortable and convenient for an elderly loved one. Some of the most common wheelchair accessories include seat cushions, armrests, leg rests, back support, headrests, and footrests. Seat cushions and back support make the wheelchair more comfortable.

Footrests are helpful for the person’s feet to rest comfortably on the footrests. Armrests provide support for the user’s arms so that their arms do not fall asleep or get tired from being in the same position for a long period of time. Leg rests provide support for the user’s legs so that their legs do not get tired from being in the same position for a long period of time.

Finding the Right Wheelchair Provider

When it comes to finding the right wheelchair provider, you want to make sure that you select a company that has experience providing wheelchairs to the elderly. Elderly people may require specialized wheelchairs that are designed to fit their growing bodies.

There are many online resources that can help you find a wheelchair provider near you. It is important to select a wheelchair provider that offers a wide variety of options to fit your loved one’s specific needs. It is also important to select a wheelchair provider that offers a wide variety of wheelchair accessories and has a reputation for providing high-quality products.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wheelchair for an elderly person is important. It’s important to select a wheelchair that’s lightweight, has the right back and seat support, and is suitable for the person’s condition. Make sure the wheelchair has the correct footrests and handgrips to ensure the person’s safety.

Once the right wheelchair has been selected, it’s important to ensure that the wheelchair meets the user’s individual requirements. A wheelchair customized to the user’s height, length, and specific needs will ensure that the wheelchair is comfortable and safe to use.

Article by

Tiny Nair

Tiny Nair, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP, is a cardiologist and head of Dept of Cardiology at PRS Hospital in Trivandrum. He is also an author, fluent in Middle English and offers consultations on finding the best wheelchair according to individual needs.