What wheelchair is best for a caregiver?

Ergo Lite Series

The Ergo Lite series is an excellent example of a KARMA wheelchair that was designed specifically with a caregiver in mind. In some cases, the caregiver is the spouse of the elderly wheelchair user, in which case it is necessary to take this into consideration when choosing a wheelchair. 

When the caregiver is also elderly, it’s imperative to select a wheelchair that is ultra lightweight, easy to use, and easy to push. The weight of the Ergo Lite series start at just 8.6 kg, making it convenient for an elderly caregiver to lift for travel or storage. The Ergo Lite is equipped with a Push and Pull brake on the push handles to make braking and parking the wheelchair easier on the caregiver. They no longer have to continuously bend down to stop the chair. The Ergo Lite 2 has featured removable and swing away footrests for safe and easy transfers in and out of the wheelchair for both the elderly user and caregiver. The optional self propel rear wheels give the option for the user to propel and move around themselves, offering a chance for independence and freedom.

VIP2

VIP2 is the 2-in-1 positioning wheelchair that removes the burden of changing the user’s sitting position for caregivers.​​ The VIP2 can be tilted in space as well as reclined with a simple push handle operation. 

Elderly caregivers often don’t have the physical capacity to continuously reposition the wheelchair user to ensure their comfort and prevent pressure ulcers. The positioning options also remove the burden of having to transfer the user to a bed when the user wants to lie down, instead they can be reclined or tilted back. The optional J hook push handles also make the wheelchair easier to push for the elderly caregiver when the wheelchair has been repositioned. 

The swing away, detachable footrests and detachable armrests make it possible for the user to be transferred into a bed in the lying down position. This method requires less effort on the caregivers part and can be safer.  

Whichever wheelchair you choose, the needs of the user as well as the caregiver should be taken into consideration. Picking the right wheelchair can make life easier and most importantly, safer. Contact your local KARMA dealer to discuss your wheelchair needs, they can help you find the best wheelchair for you. If you are unsure if your elderly loved one needs a caregiver, here are some signs to look out for. If you are unsure about the benefits of hiring a caregiver, you can read our blog here.

Keep Reading

The Benefits of a Caregiver for the Elderly

Who Requires a Caregiver?

What Does a Caregiver Do for the Elderly?

Peace of mind

Family members typically worry about their loved ones, especially when they are elderly and don’t live nearby. A caregiver can provide the family peace of mind that their relatives are being well looked after. Caregivers can be hired to be there 24/7 for the safety of your loved one and help them carry out daily tasks that they would otherwise be unable to carry out themselves. 

Independence

A full time caregiver can give your loved one the independence and freedom they want and deserve. The caregiver can help with daily tasks such as laundry, cooking, and errands so that they can remain in their own home and sustain their daily routine. Most elderly do not want to move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, so this is a good compromise for both parties. 

Companionship 

Many elderly people live alone, so a caregiver can give them companionship to combat depression, isolation, and loneliness. If you live far away from your loved one, you’ll be happy to know that there is someone there to not only help them, but also keep them company. 

Economical

The cost of hiring a caregiver full time can be cheaper than moving your loved one into an assisted living facility or nursing home. Hiring a caregiver also gives you and your loved one the choice of whom you hire and when. 

If you are unsure if your loved one needs a caregiver, you can read our previous blog here, where we list the things to look out for. Hiring a caregiver doesn’t always have to be full time or long term, you can always find a solution that meets your needs. If you care looking for a wheelchair for your elderly loved one and caregiver, read more here. 

Keep Reading

How Can the Right Wheelchair Help an Elderly Caregiver

Who Requires a Caregiver?

What Does a Caregiver Do for the Elderly?

Signs to look out for if you think someone you know needs a caregiver

Signs of loneliness and depression

A sudden weight change, distancing from friends and family, and a loss of interest in hobbies could be signs of depression, loneliness, and isolation. Hiring a caregiver to visit your elderly loved one on a regular basis could help their emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

Unable to independently perform daily tasks

This could be anything from maintaining their household, self grooming, or running general errands. Hiring a caregiver for your loved one will help ensure that they are able to complete daily tasks to help improve their general well-being. 

They are a fall hazard

If your loved one is unsafe being home alone because they are a fall risk, it is time to consider a caregiver. Stairs, bathtubs, rugs, uneven flooring, and a messy home are all causes for a fall which could lead to long term and painful recovery. 

Lacking in personal hygiene

You might start to notice that your elderly loved one has bad breath, body odor, and generally is struggling generally to keep up their personal hygiene routine. If this is the case, it’s time to consider a caregiver. A caregiver can help and ensure regularly hygiene and grooming routines. 

Unpaid bills and unopened mail

Stacks of unsorted and unopened mail could mean that your loved one has forgotten or is just unable to pay bills and respond to mail. A caregiver can assist in sorting out the mail and respond to important notifications. 

Food going bad

Moldy food could be a sign that your loved one is unable to independently buy fresh food, or is even unaware of the food going bad. It could even mean that they are eating the rotten food or not eating at all. A caregiver can help to shop for groceries as well as prepare meals for your loved one. 

If you recognize any of these signs in a loved one, it might well be time to privately hire a caregiver. It’s possible that reading this, you are your loved one’s caregiver, but you realize that they might need more help than you are able to give. A private caregiver can be hired either full-time or part-time to provide care to your loved one whenever they require. Read the next blog to learn about the benefits of a caregiver.

Keep Reading

How Can the Right Wheelchair Help an Elderly Caregiver

The Benefits of a Caregiver for the Elderly

What Does a Caregiver Do for the Elderly?

What does a caregiver do?

Unlike a registered nurse who has to be formally trained and has a license to perform certain tasks, a caregiver will only help with day to day activities and tasks. Caregivers do not perform medical care like a nurse, who typically only visit a patient’s home for just a few hours a day. However, a caregiver (who is often a close family member or someone who has been hired by the family) may spend all day with the patient to help them with anything from bathing, grocery shopping, and accompanying them on outdoor trips. 

Unlike a nurse who will monitor a patient recovering from an illness, a caregiver is more like a companion for the patient. A caregiver could be the answer for seniors or handicapped people who can no longer safely live alone, but still want their independence.

What are the different types of caregivers?

There are different types of caregivers, from those who are hired professionally to family members who volunteer to take on the role. The following types of caregivers are referring mostly to caregivers for the elderly, rather than people who are physically disabled and require full time care. 

• Privately hired caregiver: This type of caregiver is typically found through an agent, possible even recommended by a therapist or hospital. They have often been background checked and have previous experience as a caregiver. Usually they are hired on a schedule to assist families who cannot give 24 hour care. 
• Family caregiver: A family caregiver is a family member that has chosen to take on the role. These could be a spouse, children, or other family member. Frequently, they have another job in addition to their caregiver responsibilities and don’t receive compensation for their caregiving duties. 
• Respite caregiver: A respite caregiver is typically used to cover a family’s duties for a break. They can be found through an agency or independently, and it is implied that it is short-term. 

No matter the type of caregiver that your loved one needs, it’s helpful to also know the signs to look out for surrounding your loved one that it might be time to hire a caregiver. There are also many economical and social benefits that come with hiring a caregiver that you can learn here. And lastly, if you are looking to hire a caregiver for your loved one, and they are also a wheelchair user, check out KARMA’s top wheelchair picks.

Keep Reading

How Can the Right Wheelchair Help an Elderly Caregiver

The Benefits of a Caregiver for the Elderly

Who Requires a Caregiver?

Choosing the right wheelchair

As well as making plans well in advance, having the right wheelchair will make the journey more enjoyable not only for the user but any caregivers that are also travelling with them. KARMA has a wide range of wheelchairs to suit a wide range of elderly users, ideal for travelling!

Lightweight manual wheelchair

A lightweight manual wheelchair, such as KARMA’s Ergo Lite Series, is ideal for elderly users who can walk but not for long distances. This chair will give them the option to rest in the wheelchair and still be part of the party! Ergo Lite is also ideal for elderly travelling with an elderly caregiver as it weighs less than 9KG, so it can be easily lifted and stored in the trunk​​ of a car. 

Positioning wheelchair

A positioning wheelchair has a seat that can be manually adjusted by the caregiver. Positioning wheelchairs can be reclined and/or tilted for the comfort of the user. KARMA’s VIP 2 is the perfect example of a 2-in-1 positioning wheelchair that has been designed to be caregiver friendly! Not only is the VIP 2 ideal for elderly users who don’t have much trunk support, but it is approved for transportation in accordance with international standard ISO 7176-19, which means it can be safely used as a seat in a vehicle. 

KARMA’s VIP 515 Tilt-in-Space is the only tilting wheelchair on the market that can be compactly folded to fit in the trunk of a car. Not only is the chair ideal for elderly wheelchair users who spend a lot of time in their chair, but it’s great for travelling with and for storing in tight spaces. 

Power wheelchair

When travelling with an elderly wheelchair user, if the caregiver does not find it convenient to push the user around in a manual wheelchair, they can consider using a power wheelchair. There are many lightweight power wheelchairs available on the market, such as KARMA’s eFlexx. eFlexx is a compact and foldable power wheelchair with detachable footrests and swing away armrest to safely enter and exit the wheelchair. Compatible with a wide range of accessories, eFlexx is ideal for travelling in comfort. 

Tips for choosing a hotel with a wheelchair user

Contact the hotel before making a booking to ensure that their wheelchair accessible rooms include everything you and an elderly wheelchair user require. Every wheelchair user’s needs are different, so it’s important to confirm these things beforehand to avoid any surprises after a long day of travelling! 

Tips for road trips with a wheelchair user

Road trips will typically consist of service station breaks! Make sure to pack a lightweight wheelchair for bathroom breaks along the drive if the elderly user you are travelling with can’t walk long distances. If possible, plan those service station breaks beforehand and check that they have wheelchair accessible bathrooms, for example. This should hopefully save time and prevent injuries. 

Enjoy the ride!

First and foremost, a wheelchair is there to make the journey easier and comfortable for both the user and caregiver, keep this in mind when selecting the wheelchair you’re going to travel with. Check out real life user Arma Hong who took her Ergo Lite around Europe and Asia.  If you are still unsure about the type of wheelchair you should take when travelling, you can contact your local KARMA wheelchair dealer or contact KARMA for more details about our chairs. 

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. 

Renting a wheelchair for travelling 

When families with elderly relatives go on holiday, sometimes renting a lightweight wheelchair is easier and more convenient than bringing their current wheelchair. Choosing to rent a lightweight wheelchair makes travelling much easier, especially if the rental is organised at the travel destination. Choosing to rent a wheelchair at the travel destination could save time and money if the user has to check the wheelchair on a plane. 

A lightweight wheelchair can have the option to have an attendant propelled (small rear wheels) or to be self-propelled by the user. The user and family can even choose a wheelchair with detachable leg rest if the user has difficulty transferring in and out of the wheelchair or the family are travelling by car and the chair needs to be extra compact. 

For users with elderly caregivers that want to travel either on a short holiday or grocery shopping, KARMA’s Ergo Lite is an overall great choice.

Renting a wheelchair for rehabilitation

The user is recovering from an accident and only needs a wheelchair during their rehabilitation, so renting a wheelchair for a short period of time is a great alternative to outright buying one. The user can save a lot of money, and it is potentially more friendly to the environment. Ideal candidates for renting a wheelchair for rehabilitation are typically those who have broken a leg or hip. 

If the injury occurred is a leg fracture or hip arthroplasty then the best wheelchair they can choose that will best facilitate their recovery is a wheelchair with detachable armrests and leg rests. KARMA’s Flexx series has an adjustable rear wheel axis that can be altered depending on the user’s upper body strength and confidence using a wheelchair. 

Rent to test a wheelchair before purchasing

People who have suffered from a stroke can sometimes be left with limited body movement. The case of someone who has little body strength will typically be told to look for a high back wheelchair. A high back wheelchair will typically come with extra functions like “Tilt-in-Space” and Recline that are designed to make the user more comfortable. These wheelchairs tend to be on the pricier side, so it’s understandable that families of the stroke patient may want to try and test the wheelchair before committing to purchasing.

High-back, reclining, and tilting wheelchairs are usually recommended for those who are in long-term recovery from a stroke. Source: KARMA Medical YouTube – VIP2 Tilt & Recline Wheelchair.

When is it time to purchase a wheelchair?

If the user needs a wheelchair for more than a few months then it could be more cost-effective to purchase a wheelchair. There are definitely advantages to purchasing a wheelchair. For example, the wheelchair belongs to you, and you can use it whenever you want. Your wheelchair will have been chosen and fitted for you based on your body measurements and condition. Some people might consider the money spent renting a wheelchair a waste if it could have been spent invested in their own wheelchair instead. 

If the wheelchair is rented, the user may be required to cover any damage caused to the wheelchair. However, if the user owns the wheelchair then there are no consequences for any damage caused. If the user no longer needs the wheelchair, or they change their mind, they can result, donate, or give the wheelchair to someone else. 

Where can you rent a wheelchair?

You can contact your local wheelchair supplier, and they will direct you to where you can rent a KARMA wheelchair. If you are not sure which wheelchair to choose, you can contact your local KARMA wheelchair dealer or contact us here. 

Wheelchair seat cushions

Over time, the upholstery of the wheelchair can start to stretch, resulting in the hammock effect. The solution to this is to put a hard board/surface on the wheelchair seat with a wheelchair cushion. There are different types of seat cushions to choose from depending on the users budget and sitting requirements.

Wheelchair Cushion Form	Liquid Gel	Interconnected Air Cells	Vicair Air Cushion
Ability to Redistribute Pressure	Medium	High	High
Stability	Highest	Medium	High
Adjustability	Low	High	High
Weight	Heavy	Medium	Light
Breathability	Low	Medium	High
Maintainability	Does not require much maintenance	Needs regular inflation maintenance	Does not require much maintenance
Risk of Deflation	Low	High	Low

Adjustable backrest

Some users with fixed deformities such as kyphosis, will not get the support they need from a standard wheelchair. The below images show what happens when someone with kyphosis sits on a wheelchair with a standard backrest.

Fig. 1.                    Fig. 2. 

If a wheelchair user with kyphosis wants to limit the contact area for pressure sores to occur, they will probably end up compromising a comfortable seating position. They will end up not sitting with their hips positioned all the way to the backrest (Fig. 1). In saying that, if the user does sit with their hips against the backrest (Fig. 2), they increase the contact areas which exposes them to more areas where pressure sores can occur. 

The solution is to choose a manual wheelchair with a tension adjustable backrest that can be adjusted to evenly distribute the pressure on the backrest (Fig. 3). Thus, reducing the chance of getting pressure ulcers. 

Fig. 3. 

Flexx wheelchair is overall, a highly adjustable wheelchair. For example, the backrest has discrete velcro straps that can be used to accommodate a wheelchair user with kyphosis.

Positioning wheelchairs 

A positioning wheelchair is the ideal choice for users who can’t walk, sit independently, and/ or have poor neck control. A positioning chair is also ideal for elderly user’s with elderly caregivers, as it takes little effort to reposition the user to distribute their weight. 

Tilting the wheelchair reduces the pressure on the hips by shifting the centre of gravity from the hips to the back. Tilting the wheelchair prevents the user from sliding down the seat and risking skin damage. The tilting function allows the user to rest in the wheelchair without having to be moved to a bed. For every hour that an elderly wheelchair is sitting in the wheelchair, we recommend that they are repositioned in the tilted position for 20 minutes. 

Reclining the wheelchair will allow the user to lie down and stretch out their hips and lower back. However, when the user returns to the upright position, they might slide forward which in turn will cause them to experience shear force. Occasionally they may also find that the headrest doesn’t align correctly so they need to use a pelvic belt. 

A better wheelchair, a better fit

At KARMA, we understand that there is no best wheelchair, only the best fitted wheelchair for each user. Therefore, you should choose a wheelchair that meets the user’s needs to prevent pressure sores, whether it’s a positioning wheelchair or additional wheelchair accessories.

Keep Reading

What Are Pressure Sores?

Who Is Prone To Pressure Sores?

How to Prevent Pressure Sores for Elderly Wheelchair Users

How to reposition elderly wheelchair users 

• • Shift the center of gravity
  • Use a pelvic belt 
  • Use gravity to assist

The first step to preventing the elderly from getting pressure sores is to ensure that they are in the correct seating position. The first method you can use to help reposition the wheelchair user is to gently rock them towards the backrest. If the elderly wheelchair user is unable to reposition themselves then the caregiver can gently lean the user to one side and shift them back gradually (see GIF below). 

This first method for shifting the wheelchair user is to slowly rock them to the side and towards the backrest. Source: Karma Taiwan

For the second method, you will need to remove the leg rests from the wheelchair. If the user is unable to shift back, the knees can be strapped together to anchor the caregiver so they can push the user towards the backrest. This method causes less strain on the caregiver, especially if they are elderly. Once the wheelchair user is in the correct position, use a pelvic belt to prevent them from sliding forward.

If the user is unable to shift themselves, the caregiver can push them towards the backrest. Source: Karma Taiwan

The final and maybe easiest method is to use a recline and tilt-in-space positioning wheelchair. When the user is tilted and reclined back, they will shift backward with the help of gravity. To adjust the user into the correct position, go under their arms to gently pull them upward, do not grab their arms and pull up. Using a pelvic belt will help to secure the user in the correct position when the wheelchair is returned to the upright position.

Let gravity do the hard work with the help of a Tilt-in-Space and reclining wheelchair. Source: Karma Taiwan

Repositioning the elderly doesn’t have to be painful

Repositioning an elderly wheelchair user doesn’t have to be painful, for the user or caregiver. The main takeaway method to prevent pressure sores for wheelchair users is: 

• • Shift the user’s center of gravity
  • Use a pelvic belt to prevent sliding
  • Use gravity to your advantage

In the next blog, we will talk about what accessories the user might want to use to further prevent pressure sores. 

What Are Pressure Sores?

Who Is Prone To Pressure Sores?

Wheelchair Accessories That Can Prevent Pressure Ulcers

• • People with restricted mobility e.g. wheelchair users
  • People who have previously had pressure sores
  • People who are not able to easily reposition themselves. 

A lot of these factors apply to the elderly. It is the elderly that are commonly left with restricted mobility and often left bed ridden or in a wheelchair. The elderly either don’t have the strength to reposition themselves or they have a cognitive disease that causes them to forget to regularly reposition themselves. Alongside the internal and external factors, the elderly are more susceptible to pressure injuries than other groups. 

What are the common problems when caring for an elderly patient with pressure ulcers?

Caring for the elderly in general is not easy, but caring for an elderly patient with pressure ulcers comes with its own set of problems. 

• • Elderly with pressure sores need more time to be taken care of, which can be more expensive. 
  • The hospital stay is increased by 5-8 days, which again can be more expensive. 
  • There is an increased demand for repositioning and posture changes. 
  • The importance of the sitting position of the wheelchair and sleeping position increases. 

Statistics show that 71% of ulcers occur in patients older than 70 years which is why it is so important to understand what makes this group more vulnerable to pressure ulcers and what methods are there to prevent it. 

The elderly are typically more susceptiple to getting pressure sores either becaues they lack the strength to adjust their sitting position or they have a cognitive disease that causes them to forget to repostion themselves. 

Why do elderly wheelchair users get pressure sores? 

Wheelchair users in general are more likely to have pressure ulcers because of an ill-fitting wheelchair. If the wheelchair configuration is wrong and there is insufficient support for the user, they will start to slide down the seat. The constant friction of sliding and having to reposition themselves is what causes shear force.

If the seat of the wheelchair is too high i.e. the user cannot comfortably reach the foot plates, they are prone to getting pressure sores on the back of their knees and ankles because they cannot rest/lean on the footplates. 

If the seat depth is too long, the user will slide forward to find support from the footplates however they will be susceptible to pressure sores on the shoulders, buttocks, behind the knees, and on the ankles. 

The right fitting wheelchair can help prevent pressure ulcers

Understanding why elderly wheelchair users are more prone to pressure sores than other wheelchair groups is the first step to preventing it. In the next couple of blogs we will talk about how to prevent pressure sores in elderly wheelchair users with repositioning techniques and wheelchair accessories. 

Keep Reading

What Are Pressure Sores?

How to Prevent Pressure Sores for Elderly Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair Accessories That Can Prevent Pressure Ulcers