How To Choose A Wheelchair as a Senior – Complete Guide

As we age, maintaining our comfort and mobility becomes crucial to our overall well-being. Here’s why mobility aids come in handy. Selecting the appropriate wheelchair is about much more than just traveling from one location to another for elderly people who might have mobility issues. It’s about continuing to be active and feeling well. This article will discuss several wheelchair models designed specifically to provide elders with comfort and support.

Key Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Wheelchair

1. Lifestyle Choices

Before choosing a wheelchair, assess the senior’s daily routine. Will they primarily use the wheelchair indoors for household mobility, or will they need it for outdoor activities and travel? Active users may benefit from lightweight, foldable models for easy transport, while those needing all-day support might require a more durable, ergonomic design.

2. Living Environment

Consider where the wheelchair will be used most often. If navigating tight spaces, such as narrow hallways or small doorways, a compact, maneuverable wheelchair is ideal. For outdoor use, features like larger wheels, shock absorption, and all-terrain capabilities can help provide stability and ease of movement over uneven surfaces.

3. Comfort Preferences

Comfort is essential for seniors who spend extended periods in their wheelchair. Look for features like cushioned, pressure-relieving seats, adjustable armrests, and high-backed designs for enhanced lumbar and head support. A reclining function or removable headrest may be beneficial for individuals who require extra postural stability.

4. Ease of Use and Adjustability

A wheelchair should be easy to operate, whether self-propelled or caregiver-assisted. Seniors with limited upper body strength may find power wheelchairs more suitable, while those who prefer manual options should look for lightweight frames and ergonomic hand rims for smooth maneuvering. Adjustable footrests and seat height can also improve accessibility and ease of use.

5. Durability and Maintenance

Investing in a high-quality wheelchair ensures longevity and reliability. According to Scootaround, wheelchairs have an average span of 2-3 years and manual wheelchairs can last up to 5 if you select the right one. Consider the frame material, weight capacity, and ease of maintenance. Wheelchairs with removable, washable cushions and rust-resistant frames are easier to keep in good condition over time.

Why Seniors Need Wheelchairs?

Our bodies can become less flexible as we get older. This can further cause social disengagement and fear of loneliness inside us or our loved ones. So, wheelchairs can be an effective tool for seniors to overcome these obstacles. Wheelchairs can help them lead more satisfying lives. Some of the crucial reasons why seniors need wheelchairs are:

#1 To Overcome Mobility-Related Issues

Persons who lack mobility may be confined to their homes. This can reduce the level of social interaction which can increase feelings of isolation. With the ability to visit friends and family, or to go to social gatherings, wheelchairs can give a sense of independence to senior citizens.

#2 To Carry Out Basic Routine Activities 

With limited movement, routine activities like going grocery shopping or to the doctor might become challenging. Seniors who use folding electric wheelchairs are able to run these errands independently, which can also increase their sense of independence and decrease their dependency on others. 

#3 To Prevent The Risk Of Urinary Tract Infections

Lastly, because it might be difficult to get to the bathroom, having limited mobility can increase the risk of infections including Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs. Seniors who use wheelchairs have greater mobility and can more readily use restrooms and maintain good cleanliness, which lowers their risk of illness.

Types of Wheelchairs For The Elderly

After learning about the requirements, let’s explore the many kinds of wheelchairs for the elderly, paying particular attention to characteristics that enhance comfort and usability:

1. Manual Wheelchairs

For persons who have enough upper body strength, manual wheelchairs are a traditional option that provides superior control and fitness advantages. Manual wheelchairs are perfect for traveling or negotiating small places because they emphasize portability and simplicity of folding. For short-term use or in conjunction with a primary wheelchair, they could be a useful solution. Lightweight manual wheelchairs that are also portable, are available from several internet wheelchair sellers.

Additionally, the cushions on these wheelchairs help to uniformly distribute weight, reducing pressure spots and avoiding skin deterioration—a significant worry for elderly people. These days, manual wheelchairs also include a backrest. This recline typically allows for comfortable positioning and reduces fatigue during long rides.

2. Electric Wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs also known as powered chairs and powerchairs are a practical and comfortable option for persons who need to travel long distances or who have limited upper body strength. Most power wheelchairs have seats that can recline. These chairs improve comfort when sitting for lengthy periods of time.  

Adjustable footrests are now standard for better circulation and appropriate leg support. Additionally, these wheelchairs include padded lever or joystick controls for a secure and pleasant ride. They also have a small turning radius, which makes it possible to maneuver in confined areas in the house.

3. Foldable Wheelchairs

Both foldable wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs have the capability to get folded up. This basically facilitates storage and transportation. Persons who travel frequently or live in small spaces would find this feature especially helpful.

4. Lightweight Portable Wheelchairs

Lightweight wheelchairs are substantially lighter than typical models, as the name suggests. Because they usually weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, they are simpler to move, carry, and handle in confined areas. If a wheelchair needs to be moved into a car or into public transportation, this is a tremendous benefit for elders who have limited upper body strength. 

Mobility is the main priority for these wheelchairs. Their low turning radius and smaller wheels make them ideal for maneuvering through crowded stores and even terrains.

Look for Additional Comfort Considerations

Senior comfort can be further improved with a few additions, even beyond the basic wheelchair type. For example, search for wheelchairs with extra head and neck support, particularly for elderly people who struggle with balance. Wheelchairs that offer safety and reduce falls during transportation should also be looked after.

Small wheels in the back of the chair, known as anti-tipping wheels, add stability and keep the chair from tipping over. Therefore, using these can guarantee improved precision and stability. One can also think of other necessities, such as storage bags or cup holders. These provide easy access to storage for necessities like prescription medicines and water bottles.

Conclusion

For elders, wheelchairs can be an ideal tool. Wheelchairs for the elderly can give them the ability to regain their independence. You may play a significant role in helping them return to their freedom by learning about their needs and selecting the ideal wheelchair. It’s really important to look for features that are suitable for each senior’s circumstances and comfy sitting. It may be easy to find online wheelchairs for sale but it’s important to research properly and find the right type of wheelchair for your circumstances

Medpoint can help you find the perfect moving chair for the elderly, ranging from strong steel wheelchairs for daily use to ultralight aluminum wheelchairs for travel. Contact Medpoint or visit our showroom at Shankill, Dublin, Ireland to test all types of wheelchairs and have a helpful conversation.

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