Hi, just looking for any tips on wheelchairs. My caree’s mobility has declined to the point where we need, at least, a wheelchair I can stow in the car for the days when he can’t walk back to the car.
We have a small, lightweight transit wheelchair for emergencies, but I have never liked it so thinking of trading up if it’s going to be used more. It’s a bit flimsy and the brakes are at wheel level making it difficult to put them on quickly.
Looking for something that is comfortable and safe, but also relatively easy for me to lift into and out of the car and put together. Manoeuvrability is important as I’m going to be doing all the pushing. My husband isn’t a large man, but he is a dead weight and I’m in my sixties with arthritic knees! Does a large back wheel make a difference?
Hi @katieD, the only thing I would suggest is speaking to the GPS and asked to be referred to the OTs as they can sort out something more suitable for both of you and maybe go for a mobility car as well as that can come with other equipment.
Hi katieD, I have just been through the process of getting my wife a wheel chair and as Michael 190123 says the best way is to get a referral to the Occupational Therapist (OT), they can look at your abilities and your husband’s and make a suggestion. The large wheel at the back is really for your husband to use, if he has the ability. If you get an OT wheelchair they will look after any servicing and repairs, the other thing depending on the type of chair needed there can be a long wait. Good luck
I always found the larger rear wheels easier to use than the others, and they allow the person using the chair to push themselves a bit too if they’re able - keeps them independent. Definitely look to an OT assessment, but if your GP decides it’s not relevant, the best bet is to go to a specialist provider - ideally one that mainly does wheelchairs - as thery can go over the options. But that will be expensive, so go down the OT route first!
To add to @Charlesh47 post - when my Mum started to need a wheelchair on trips to the High Street we used to hire one from the Mobility centre in the car park. The staff there were very helpful in advising on the best one (large or small rear wheels) for us to try.
I found the ones with the large rear wheels were much easier for me to push and navigate (better turning circle) but the ones with the small rear wheels were easier and a bit lighter to get in and out of the car. If storing in the boot (or rear of hatchback) then it’s much easier if the car has a low sill - don’t have to lift the chair so high ! I did consider getting one that could have a battery pack fitted but then realise just how heavy the battery packs were so gave up on that option.
We eventually got Mum’s chair secondhand from a local mobility shop - just as good as new (all checked over by their service engineer) but at a fraction of the price of a new one.
Hello, Katie. Over the years my caree has used various wheelchairs, some hired. There is a lot to be said for large back wheels. They enable the “passenger” to self-propel, and ride the bumps more easily. But I sometimes found it helpful to grab the wheels myself, which could make it easier to manoeuvre over bumpy surfaces. Some types also come with removable back wheels, to assist in stowing in the back of a car.
If you have a local Shopmobility, it is helpful to visit there and try out what they have to offer, as Susie suggests.
In general, it is sometimes easier to pull the wheelchair instead of push over bumpy surfaces or tortuous passages.
Unfortunately my caree opted to buy one with all small wheels. Sometimes she rocks violently back and forth to try to move the wheelchair forwards when I am not available to push, but this has little effect. Why she chose this I don’t know. The best answer I have had is, “I don’t want to get my hands dirty.”
Thank you Charles. Useful to know, and good point about the person using the chair being more involved. We’re lucky enough to have one of the big provider’s showroom not too far away so probably worth a visit to have a look at the options.
Thank you Susie. I haven’t heard of that before. I know sometimes the big supermarkets can offer a wheelchair, but husband not that keen on shopping so think I’m on my own there! I guess there is a bit of compromise, and our car boot isn’t that big so once the wheelchair is in, there isn’t room for anything else.
I’ve heard a large wheel is more comfortable for the user too - a less bumpy ride.
I found the small wheels tended to get stuck in pot holes. Second hand is a good shout, I should look into that.
Oh dear, Denis! That doesn’t sound great. Our main issue is getting to hospital appointments. The nearest parking to the hospital is a couple of streets away, then push the wheelchair either downhill (and uphill on the return journey) or cut through the park and deal with the potholes, so manoeuvrability is important! (And don’t get me started on Blue Badge applications) Thank you people, all really helpful!!
@katieD How are you getting in? I have managed to hire a wheelchair for Mum at around £10 a week. It’s small and folds up into the back of my car, so,I plan to take her out and push her around lakes etc. I got it from a nationwide company called Wheelfreedom if you want to google them. Hiring seemed like a better and more affordable option in our circumstances. The OT at the hospital refused to organise one for me as mum had said she didn’t need one and as she still has capacity I was overruled. They ought to see her at home, unable to walk anywhere unaided. Ho hum.
@katieD - I would add that wheelchairs provided through an OT are generally steel frame and very heavy for lifting into and out of a car. Ideally, I would have thought you want an aluminium frame wheelchair. I get on really well with a Karma chair - I’ll find a web link for you.
It does have brakes, at the side of each wheel, but I do see what you mean. In our case I needed one suddenly and urgently and it arrived the next day, so fitted the bill.
but this is sooo much lighter!