GlobalWheelchairs for the elderly are adapted to the needs of the elderly user. The most important thing to consider in a wheelchair for the elderly is for it to be lightweight and easy to use. If necessary, they can opt for a power wheelchair that allows the elderly wheelchair user to be independent.
Over time, many older people lose their mobility and are forced to use a wheelchair in their day-to-day lives. There are a wide range of wheelchairs that the elderly can choose from with many different functions. This blog will guide you to choose the right wheelchair most suitable for the elderly.
Types of wheelchairs for the elderly
There are many types of wheelchairs for the elderly that they can choose from depending on their needs. KARMA has a large range of wheelchair solutions, no matter if the user needs a lightweight wheelchair for an elderly user or a positioning chair that can facilitate certain movements.
Wheelchair for home
Indoor wheelchairs should be lightweight and easy to use. When caring for an elderly person at home, it is also important that the wheelchair is can be easily manoeuvred around the home, e.g., around tight corners and through often narrow doorways. Choosing a compact wheelchair will make it easier to get around limited spaces. Ergo Lite 2 has the option to be equipped with transit wheels that reduce the overall size of the chair.
Another useful feature for a home wheelchair is that it can be foldable. When the user isn’t using the chair, if it can be folded and stored out of the way or taken in the car. KARMA has a large range of folding wheelchairs that the elderly user can travel with or store in a small space.
Positioning wheelchairs
Positioning wheelchairs allow the elderly user to sit in a different position to relieve pressure and, if needed, can facilitate the care of the elderly user if necessary. KARMA’s positioning wheelchairs can be tilted, reclined, or both. Learn more about the benefits of a reclining and tilting wheelchair in a previous blog.
Best wheelchairs for the elderly, what to know before buying?
There are several factors that should be taken into account before deciding on a wheelchair for the elderly. Such things to consider are the weight, if it is foldable, or should it be a power chair. These are all important things to think about, as there are many wheelchairs out there to choose from for each user. Remember that most wheelchairs can also be customised with different adjustments and accessories to suit the user.
Ergo Lite 2 can be easily lifted and stored in the trunk of a car.
Which wheelchair is better for the elderly, manual or power?
The decision between choosing a manual or power wheelchair largely depends on the mobility of the elderly user. If the elderly person has good mobility in the arms and torso and good balance, then it is possible for them to use a self propel manual wheelchair. If they do not have any mobility and need to travel regularly, then a power wheelchair is the way to go.
The decision is usually made by the person who will be caring for the elderly user. If the elderly person has good decent balance but unable to self-propel the chair, they can opt for a wheelchair with transit wheels that can be pushed by a caregiver. This is a good option for day-to-day use together with the assistance of a caregiver. If the elderly user does not have someone who can help them, then a power wheelchair may be a better choice.
What factors should you consider before buying a wheelchair for the elderly?
The most important factor is the degree of mobility the elderly user has. In the case of older people, it is essential to bear in mind that the level of mobility decreases in most cases. This is why it is advisable to choose a wheelchair that is adjustable to adapt to the progressive loss of mobility an elderly person may suffer. Mobility products adapted to your needs and comfort.
KARMA Medical has a wide range of products to meet the needs of a wide range of users. KARMA also have wheelchairs specifically aimed for elderly wheelchair users, including lightweight wheelchairs, positioning wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.
KARMA Medical wheelchairs are extensively safety tested to meet various international standards. If you still need advice about which chair to choose, you can contact your local KARMA dealer or contact KARMA here.
