By Maurice
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Chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, are common among the elderly. Muscles, joints, bones, and tissue all weaken and degenerate as humans age. Thus, you see the elderly using mobility aids such as walking canes and wheelchairs.
Where canes may be ideal for short distances, they are not suitable for long distances or for bed-bound individuals. You will have to get a wheelchair for older adults unable to take a single step without assistance.
In this article, we review some of the best available wheelchairs for the elderly. Here you will find their features, pros and cons, as well as buying advice to help determine which one is right for you.
At a Glance: The Best Wheelchairs for Elderly
Image | Name | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Best For | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carex Transport Wheelchair | 33.5" | 22.4" | 35.4" | 25 lbs | Sturdy & Comfortable | |
| Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair | 42" | 24" | 36" | 41.25 lbs | Recovering from Injury | |
| Drive Medical Cruiser III | 36.5" | 32.5" | 12" | 41 lbs | Durable design | |
| Drive Medical Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair | 42" | 28" | 36" | 45 lbs | Daily usage |
Best Wheelchairs for Elderly
Carex Transport Wheelchair | |
|---|---|
Length | 33.5" |
Width | 22.4" |
Height | 35.4" |
Weight | 25 lbs |
The Carex transport chair is a lightweight steel frame wheelchair. It is foldable, which ensures ease of portability. It comes with a safety belt and removable footrests, making it a functional mobility aid for seniors.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is it Best For?
It is the perfect medical transport wheelchair. It is ideal for seniors who need to make regular visits to the hospital.
Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair | |
|---|---|
Length | 42" |
Width | 24" |
Height | 36" |
Weight | 41.25 lbs |
The Drive Medical wheelchair features an ergonomic design to ensure optimal functionality and comfort. The wheelchair is foldable, allowing you to carry it with you wherever you need to go. The arm and leg rests are padded and movable. You can adjust the leg rest to the position that suits and can even keep one leg elevated at 180 degrees to aid recovery.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is it Best For?
The wheelchair by Drive Medical is ideal for those recovering from injuries. It is also ideal for wheelchair-bound individuals as its movable arms and adjustable leg rests ensure optimal comfort for the user.
Drive Medical Cruiser III | |
|---|---|
Length | 36.5" |
Width | 32.5" |
Height | 12" |
Weight | 41 lbs |
Cruiser III by Drive Medical is a more advanced wheelchair with a higher weight capacity. Its dual axle, removable, safety lock, and flippable armrests provide additional ease of transfer. The chair features a wide seat, and the padded and adjustable leg and footrests provide optimal comfort to the user.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is it Best For?
The model is ideal for those who seek a lightweight, durable, and functional chair. Cruiser III by Drive Medical is the chair to buy if you are looking for something to use for the long-term.
Drive Medical Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair | |
|---|---|
Length | 42" |
Width | 28" |
Height | 36" |
Weight | 45 lbs |
The Sport 2 Wheelchair is another ideal option for those looking for a wheelchair for long-term use. It features a wide, comfortable seat with a carry pocket on the back for storing your essentials. The removable footrests, padded arms, and easy to use wheel lock system all make it an excellent option for the elderly.
Features include:
Pros
Cons
Who is it Best For?
It is ideal for those looking for a daily use wheelchair for the long run.
FAQs –Wheelchairs for Seniors
There are some signs that you should look out for that can indicate whether you should get a wheelchair for the elderly in your family. Here are some indicators that can tell you whether you should invest in a wheelchair:
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.
There are many advantages to getting a wheelchair, as we have learned above, but let’s really get down to the details of the pros and cons.
Pros
Cons
There are many different kinds of wheelchairs for the elderly that can depend on your needs. Here, we will explore all the types of wheelchairs that you can use to explore the world.
Lightweight Wheelchairs
There are plenty of lightweight manual wheelchairs that can weigh around 25-40lbs. They are easier to lift and carry around in your car. They can greatly enhance how you travel, even if you are just going out for some errands. The lightweight wheelchairs are made with carbon steel, titanium, or aluminum. The back wheels are large, and the front wheels are smaller. The wheelchair can be pushed by the person themselves, which is great for seniors who want a little independence. But, caregivers can also use the handles to push the senior.
Standard Wheelchairs
The standard wheelchairs also have small front wheels and larger back wheels, but they definitely weigh more than the lightweight ones. People who have plenty of upper body strength should get this type of wheelchair. Caregivers may be required to push the chair by the handles.
Heavy-Duty and Bariatric Wheelchairs
Heavy-duty wheelchairs are designed for heavier people. They usually have large seats and strong frames that can support a weight of 300-700lbs. The wheelchairs provide weight distribution and may even come with a reclining seat. It also has features that allow the caregiver to manually push any elderly without any need for excessive force, resulting in smoother travel and reduced risk of injuries.
Recliner or Tilt Wheelchairs
If the elderly person needs help from people to get onto the toilet or in and out of bed, then a reclining or tilting seat can be helpful. Such manual wheelchairs allow caretakers to lower the backseat towards the ground safely. Then you can get another person to lift the elderly out of the recliner or bed and onto the chair.
Transport Wheelchairs
Transport wheelchairs are mostly used in hospitals, but some do come for use at home. They have small wheels on the front and back, which means that the person on the wheelchair cannot propel themselves. The wheelchair needs to be pushed by someone else. Such wheelchairs are good for a short time outside and are lightweight. However, you may not be able to take them outdoors a lot since the terrain may not good enough for the short wheels.
Power or Electric Wheelchair
The power wheelchair is propelled with an electric motor instead of being pushed by someone. These motorized wheelchairs are perfect for people who cannot propel manual wheelchairs. It is also great for people who need to travel over a long distance or some rough terrain, where taking a manual chair may be hard. It may not be used by people who have more ‘traditional’ problems of mobility, but even people who get fatigued easily or have cardiovascular issues may need such chairs.
Wheelchairs can be quite expensive, depending on the make and model of the wheelchair. Getting a hundred dollar wheelchair means paying for one that wasn’t really paid much attention to on the assembly line. This can be a reason for good-quality wheelchairs costing a lot of money, since manual labor is expensive. Wheelchairs can cost thousands of dollars depending on your needs and the model you pick out. This can lead to a huge strain on some people, especially some seniors who need power chairs that cost even more.
The more advanced the design and tech of the wheelchair is, the great the cost will be. You should take out some time to understand your needs so that you can get a more accurate price range. Wheelchairs can cost a few hundred dollars to quite a few thousand dollars, depending on your needs.
To cut down on the cost, you might consider renting a wheelchair or buying a used wheelchair.
There are a few factors that you should be looking out for when it comes to purchasing the best wheelchair for elderly people. Here are some features and accessories that can help you decide which chair to pick.
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.
It also needs to be the right size for you so that you can fit into the seat comfortably and transport the chair (note that some vehicles are better than others for wheelchair transport). When you are buying a chair, you should take the measurements into consideration to make sure that you can fit into it properly. The seat height, width, and depth should be taken into account. The most common width of the seat is 18 inches, but to check if that will be good for you, you should measure from hip to hip then add another two inches for good measure.
One common issue that users may face is that the wheelchair seat can feel like it is pinching against the back of the knees. The seat depth is a factor in this. You should be able to fit in three to four fingers between the back of the knee and the front of the seat.
To check whether the height of the wheelchair is proper, measure the back of the knee with the heel of the user. Then add two inches because the footrest should be a couple of inches from the floor.
If you pick a chair that you feel like you need to squeeze into, it can make it tough for you to move around.
Seniors can get a free wheelchair (or donate a wheelchair) through some sources in the USA. Here are some great places where you can apply to get a wheelchair for free.
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.
The Wheelchair Foundation is a great charity that supplies wheelchairs to those that have mobility issues but cannot afford to purchase a wheelchair by themselves. It was founded in 2000 and has given out 750,000 chairs to people in need.
The Lifenets Wheelchair Project is an online charity that is smaller than the one mentioned above, but it has been doing great work. Their website lists wheelchair donations and collects chairs. The beneficiaries can also re-gift the chair when they no longer need the chair.
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.
There are some common accessories that you may want to get if you are going to use a wheelchair. Here are some items that can come in handy for you.
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.
The wheelchair-bound lead a very sedated lifestyle and are thus at risk of gaining an unhealthy amount of weight. Lack of exercise and unhealthy weight gain can increase the risk of various other chronic diseases and can be very harmful to the elderly. Here are six exercises they can do to remain fit even when using a wheelchair.
Elderly people with limited mobility should use strength training exercises to stay healthy and fit.
With these exercises, a senior gets a full-body workout even when seated in the wheelchair. It can help keep their spine and muscles in optimal condition.
Conclusion
A wheelchair is a must-have for those with limited mobility. It can make life for older adults a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. With a wheelchair as a mobility aid, seniors can enjoy daily activities and even go out without having to worry about aching joints. In our article, we have provided reviews of some of the best available wheelchairs for the elderly, so you can find one that meets your requirements.
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