Wheelchair 101: How To Choose A Wheelchair For The Elderly (2023 Guide)

Chances are, your status in your family has been upgraded to “caregiver” overnight, and you want to know how to choose a wheelchair for the elderly.

Or maybe you want to replace the old wheelchair with a new alternative to ensure your loved ones feel comfy and rested sitting for long hours on the wheelchair.

Well, you have come to the right site.

With a wide range of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right wheelchair for an elderly.

Because the truth is, choosing the right wheelchair does not only revolve around the user but also the caregiver, if any.

So read on to learn more about the important factors to consider when choosing a wheelchair!

7 Vital Factors To Consider Before Buying The Wheelchair For The Elderly

Here are the 7 important factors to consider before buying a wheelchair for the elderly:

1. User’s Mobility Level
2. User’s Dependency on Caregiver
3. Comfort
4. Size
5. Portability
6. Durability
7. Price

1. User’s Mobility Level

To choose the wheelchair that will best suit the needs of the user, take into account their level of mobility, as well as any physical restrictions or conditions.

For example, a reclining wheelchair allows a user who has physical mobility issues to change positions easily and relieves the pressure against the skin instantly after being seated or immobile for a period of time. 

2. User’s Dependency On Caregiver

If the elderly individual requires care from a caregiver, then it is recommended to choose a pushchair that ensures both the user's and caregiver’s safety and convenience. 

For example, a lightweight, compact pushchair that is easy to manoeuvre is best suited for indoor use. This pushchair type allows one to get around smoothly in a tight space. 

Also, consider getting a foldable back pushchair so it takes up less space for storage or is readily portable.

3. Comfort

Since elderly people will probably spend a lot of time in their wheelchairs, it is crucial to choose one that is both comfortable and has supportive features. 

Consider looking for chairs with adjustable armrests, padded seats and backrests, and footrests.

Some of the reliable wheelchairs for the elderly with such features available at Pharmex Healthcare include:

• ASSURE REHAB Heavy Duty Chrome Wheelchair,
  
• ASSURE REHAB Wheelchair With Flip-Up Footrest and
• ASSURE REHAB Lightweight Detachable Wheelchair

ASSURE REHAB Lighweight Detachable Wheelchair

4. Size

To ensure the chosen wheelchair is the proper size, measure the elderly user's height and weight.

A wheelchair that is too small or too big would not be able to offer the comfort and support they need.

Generally, the typical 18“ (46 cm) seat width of a wheelchair suits most users.

Otherwise, a 20” (50 cm) seat-width wheelchair with a higher weight capacity is recommended for bigger-sized users.

5. Portability

Consider the elderly person's needs for mobility and transportation when it comes to portability.

Look for a lightweight, foldable chair for easy transportation if they plan to use it outdoors.

6. Durability

If the elderly user relies on the wheelchair to get around every day, make sure to select a wheelchair that is resilient and can handle daily use's wear and tear.

Consider purchasing chairs with strong frames and reinforced parts.

7. Price

The cost of a wheelchair can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the chair type and features.

So don’t forget to take the allocated budget into consideration when choosing a wheelchair.

Types Of Wheelchair: 2 General Types

Manual Wheelchair

Manual wheelchairs can be a beneficial mobility aid for people who have trouble walking and require extra help to commute.

However, it is crucial to take the user’s physical capabilities and needs into consideration before selecting a manual wheelchair.

Manual wheelchairs are often appropriate for elderly individuals who have upper-body strength and dexterity and can propel themselves with their hands and arms.

Of course, using a manual wheelchair may suit better for people who want a more active and hands-on approach when commuting around.

Nevertheless, most manual wheelchair models come with handles too, so the users can be pushed by caregivers when needed.

Here are some of the manual wheelchair types that suit elderly users depending on their individual needs:

• Standard wheelchairs
• Lightweight wheelchairs
• Reclining wheelchairs

ASSURE REHAB Reclining Wheelchair

Electric Wheelchair

Also known as a motorised wheelchair, an electric wheelchair is the best option for those who have difficulty walking or could not propel themselves in a manual wheelchair.

Motorised wheelchairs are typically bulky and require charging to get them going.

But if you are looking for a lightweight electric wheelchair for your loved one, consider getting this Falcon Ultra-Lite 2 Electric Wheelchair.

Weighing a mere 16.1 kg without the battery and footrests, the foldable Ultra-Lite 2 is truly one of the lightest and most portable motorised wheelchairs available globally!

Click our Motorised Mobility Aids page to check out other affordable and reliable models and mobility scooters.

The Big Question: Which Is Better; a Manual or an Electric Wheelchair?

And the answer is: it depends.

Getting a manual or electric wheelchair boils down to the user's personal preferences and needs.

Manual wheelchairs are an excellent option for users who have the upper body strength to propel themselves.

That’s because they are typically lighter and easier to manoeuvre.

Plus, manual wheelchairs are typically less expensive than electric wheelchairs, and no charging is required.

As for electric wheelchairs users, they have greater mobility and independence as compared to manual wheelchair users.

This is especially true when they need to travel or cover greater distances regularly alone without the assistance of a caregiver.

Final Thoughts: How To Choose A Wheelchair For The Elderly

Choosing the right wheelchair for the elderly can be daunting, but it does not have to be that way.

We hope this article helps your wheelchair research process easier and more straightforward.

Pharmex Healthcare offers a wide range of wheelchairs to meet the different needs of users in Singapore, especially elderly people.

From lightweight wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, and motorised wheelchairs to wheelchair rental services, we have got you covered!

Check out our website for more wheelchair options, or walk into any of our retail stores island wide and talk to our friendly retail staff about your enquiry.