There is no “best” wheelchair for elderly people in general.
That’s because every older person has individual needs.
The needs of one older adult may be very different from the needs of another.
That means choosing the right wheelchair for your elderly loved one.
You should analyze the would-be user to see what areas they are impacted in.
As we age, our mobility becomes limited.
For many seniors, a wheelchair enables improved participation in everyday life.
There are a lot of wheelchairs to choose from on the market.
Each one is intended to provide specific benefits and advantages based on patient needs.
Older adults need to get a wheelchair that’s both comfortable, sturdy, and functional.
Before purchasing a wheelchair for an older adult, there are several factors to consider:
Two of the most important factors are a wheelchair’s weight and width.
Sometimes a lightweight, folding chair is needed to be easily placed in the trunk of a car – there are many great chairs available with these features.
And even though it is not lightweight, it’s completely self-powered, so a caregiver doesn’t have to push it.
It also has remote attendant controls that can be hand-held or placed in the chair’s rear, making it easier for caregivers to maneuver.
Benefits of Body Positioning for Seniors in Wheelchairs
Since most older adults also lose strength over time, they may use their wheelchair as a means of support when interacting with the world.
A TOUSDA Power Chair is a complex rehabilitation chair, a multi-option group 3 power wheelchair.
Rehab chairs augment or replace function while providing support surfaces.
Because the chair allows for infinite body positions at the touch of a button, it can help build and maintain muscle strength and elasticity.
It can help strengthen core and leg muscles and help stretch cords and tendons when using different positions.
It gives the seniors access to physical therapy any time they want!
When considering the comfort of a wheelchair for your elderly loved one, it’s important to gauge how many hours a day they will need to spend sitting and how that may affect their body.
Many older adults suffer from swelling and edema in their feet and legs.
Others often get pressure ulcers or bed-sores in areas of prolonged pressure because of so much time spent in one position.
A chair that offers body positions other than just sitting will help prevent pressure sores, reduce swelling and edema, and even help improve circulation and organ function.
Another important benefit to note regarding the positioning capability of a wheelchair is the ability to lie the user flat.
This can not only allow the older person to enjoy a mid-day nap in a more comfortable position, reducing neck strain and pressure on the bottom but can also be useful for caregivers.
Should your loved one require the use of diapers, being able to lay them flat allows for easy charging without the need for cumbersome transfers.
This can help keep them clean, dry, and overall happier and healthier.
What is the Best Wheelchair for the Elderly?
As we have discussed thus far, every older person has different needs when it comes to mobility.
That’s why it’s so important to speak with them to evaluate their needs and thus make an educated purchase decision.
Once you have a clear idea of what the elderly person needs, you can start scouting wheelchairs.
There are a few main types of wheelchair options for seniors.
Each of them delivers unique benefits that can help improve your mobility with ease.
Here are the primary types of wheelchairs available:
Lift Chairs
Rollators & Walkers
Lightweight Manual Chairs
Ultralight Manual Chairs
Standard Manual Wheelchairs
Heavy-Duty Manual Wheelchairs
Rehab Wheelchairs
Standing Wheelchairs
Electric Wheelchairs
If you’re unsure which wheelchair type is best for their needs, do some research to learn more about the specific benefits each offer.
The health, mobility, and comfort of the older adult in question should be the top priorities.
Choosing the Right Wheelchair for the Elderly
Suppose you’re able to secure a wheelchair for an older person through their insurance provider.
In that case, you can even ask them about details regarding which wheelchair is best suited for your intended purpose.
They will also be able to give you personalized advice on how to choose the optimal wheelchair.
Once you’ve determined the wheelchair features you desire for your loved one, it can be helpful to see if insurance will cover some of the costs.
Most insurances will help cover when the need for the chair is due to mobility loss, old age, and secondary diagnoses.
