Best Wheelchairs for Elderly (2020): 23 Models for Comfort, Lightweight, Foldable & More!

Ask the Doctor 

The best thing you can do is to confer with your doctor and heed their advice on the wheelchair. They might suggest that you get a wheelchair or shift from a walker. Doctors do want you to maintain independence as long as possible, so if they say it, then you should consider it seriously. Independent mobility will ensure that you retain flexibility and strength, but if you need a wheelchair, the doctor will recommend it for good reasons.

A Walker Isn’t Stable

If you use a walker and are prone to falling, it can be a serious issue for the elderly. If the seniors in your home have fallen while they are using the walker, you should consider getting one of the best wheelchairs for the elderly. Falling once or twice, without any serious consequences, isn’t that big a deal, but if you are falling or tripping regularly, wheelchairs can be important. If the senior is having trouble utilizing the walker properly, they need the switch.

In certain cases, it can be better to switch to a different walker type but if they are struggling to stay on their feet, then getting a wheelchair is a great idea.

Changes in Mobility

Life can bring some drastic and sudden changes to the mobility situation. Whether it’s a stroke, an injury, or a surgery, there can be many sudden situations that change what you require from your mobility aids. For example, a stroke that can limit your ability to support your body’s weight on the legs. This can impact whether you can walk or use a walker. A wheelchair can be a better option for you.

Extended Mobility Needs

A lot of people can walk or use the walker, but they struggle to do it for an extended period at a time. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean that you should never use the walker or walk on your own. If they need to sit down and take a break after walking for a minute, you may need to use a wheelchair to travel for a longer period.

If you are at home, you won’t need to walk too long to find a seat. However, you will need to use a wheelchair if you are going outside because you may not have too much time to sit and rest every once in a while. You will need a wheelchair to go around a park or travel inside an IKEA. It can increase your mobility options.

Walking Can Cause Pain

Whether it is because of arthritis or injury, if walking is causing you any excessive pain, it is time that you need to switch to wheelchairs. You should consult your doctor in such a case because they might recommend some treatment plan that can manage your pain and allow you to maintain mobility. But, if the doctor agrees that there is no real way to reduce discomfort and pain, then getting a wheelchair may improve your life by allowing you to travel pain-free.

What drives the wheelchair? If it is a manual wheelchair, will the elderly person have enough upper body strength to wheel themselves? Will they need a caregiver to push the chair? If the chair is electric, the drive control will most likely be a joystick on the armrest. They are usually quite straightforward but can take some time to master properly. Will the senior be able to maneuver the chair as they wish? You will need to adjust the controls so that they aren’t under or over-sensitive. There are other types of drive controls too such as handlebar drive controllers that are usually retro-fitted to another wheelchair.

If you are getting a power chair, you will need to consider the battery situation. It will need to be charged frequently, so you should check how long they take to charge. Some batteries can take up to 10 hours to charge overnight.

If you get a large wheelchair, you have to consider where you will be storing the chair too. It needs to be kept in an accessible location but should get in the way. Getting a lightweight chair may make it easier for you to store the chair, but some people may need the heavy-duty ones to sustain their weight. If you get an electric wheelchair, you have to consider where you will be parking it to charge.

It is vital that you consider comfort, along with mobility needs while choosing a wheelchair. You definitely want to avoid any chair that will limit your movement, is uncomfortable, or will cause pressure or pain sores.

There are some communities that offer free wheelchairs for people who face issues with mobility and seniors who cannot afford to purchase one. These local programs are often run by church organizations and local charities. The money comes from fundraising drives that are used to support people in need. You can ask around in local forums, online platforms, or support groups since such programs usually market through word of mouth.

You should check whether you are eligible to get a free wheelchair under the Medicare Part B. This can even include an expensive electric chair in some cases. There are some requirements you may need to fulfill to qualify for the chair for free or get a discount. Something like a doctor’s note to confirm the need for a chair for mobility issues can work too.

Medicaid also covers the cost of manual and electric chairs if you need it for daily functioning. However, the eligibility criteria can differ depending on the state you live in.

Getting a manual wheelchair is easier, but getting an electric chair can require a larger process.

If you have health insurance, it can be worth it to investigate whether your provider or the policy you have can fund a wheelchair for you. There are some plans that cover the wheelchair cost when it is medically necessary. You can contact your insurance and ask them about it. Even if you don’t get one for free, there may be an option that can help you get a discount.

Gloves can be essential if you are going to use a manual wheelchair by yourself. If pushing the wheelchair is the primary way to move around, some good quality gloves can come in handy. The padded palm can prevent your hands from being strained or even get a cut (not to mention keeping them clean). Gloves are also necessary for the elderly who usually have a power chair but sometimes use the manual one on occasion. This will ensure that their skin doesn’t develop a blister when you are using the chair. The blisters can be quite painful and make mobility even harder for you.

Arm covers are a must-have for the wheelchair-bound elderly as they protect the elderly’s skin from chaffing when they come in contact with the armrest, especially if the wheelchair is manual. They also add extra cushioning to make the experience a little more comfortable for the elderly. Armrests can also be a decorative element, and they add a cozy touch to the chair, especially if you opt for fur covers.

Sitting in one place for long can aggravate pre-existing issues such as pain in the lower back and tailbone. A seat cushion can provide relief from these issues. It can also alleviate pain associated with other medical conditions such as hemorrhoids. You should consider purchasing a gel memory foam seat cushion as it also helps keep the elderly comfortable and prevents sweat formation on the seat.

Older adults need a lot of things at hand all the time, including medications, water, tissues, and sometimes even a change of clothes. A side bag is another must-have accessory with the wheelchair as carrying essentials and steering the wheelchair at the same time can be very challenging. The elderly can store their glasses, papers, phones, chargers, and other essentials at an arm’s reach. Side bags attach to the arm of the wheelchair and can be turned inside or outside to suit the elderly’s requirements.

An elderly person may always need water at hand, so a cup holder is also a must. You can get foldable or removable cup holders that you can use to store the elderly’s favorite beverage even. Having water or fluids at hand can help keep the elderly hydrated, and with a cup holder, you don’t have to worry about holding the bottle or keeping it from rolling off the wheelchair or the lap.

Not all buildings are wheelchair accessible, so you will need to keep a portable ramp with you at all times. Even if a building does have an elevator, it may not have a ramp at the front. Instead of getting the elderly out of the chair and having them climb the few flights of stairs, you can use a portable ramp to make the experience as smooth as possible.