Wheelchair recommendations

[MarBee]

Looking for wheelchair recommendations for my grandmother. She currently can walk but not for long distances or uneven surfaces.

We have used a wheelchair that we got from a neighbor for a while but the problems were that it is too narrow for her (she’s a bit on the chubby side) and it was too short for us. Hunching over to push her does a number on our backs after a while.
I’m looking to purchase a wheelchair for her that is a little wider and definitely taller. Bonus if it does well on grassy surfaces and if it’s easy to push.

Thank you all in advance for your help!

 

[kaytieeldr]

You really need to take her somewhere that sells medical equipment and try some out. They're sold by width, but not by height at all as far as I know.

 

[mamabunny]

Just to add a bit to @kaytieeldr's advice -

First of all, don't use a "travel chair" or "companion chair", especially at WDW. The difference between those and a true wheelchair is easy to spot: Travel or companion chairs have 4 smaller wheels that are all the same size. Manual wheelchairs typically have 2 smaller wheels on the front, and 2 larger wheels on the back.

Once you have the appropriate sized chair for her, you can buy and add on things like this or for a different kind, there is this style that will raise up the handlebars.

If you have the ability, it would be nice to get her a thick, comfy gel cushion as well - because most wheelchairs have a "sling" style seat that can become uncomfortable after a period of time.

 

[Bete]

This is a tough one in some ways. The travel wheelchairs fold up and allow you to store it in almost any vehicle if you remove the leg supports. They are lighter overall. They are half the weight of a regular wheelchair. I used one on my mom for over 5 years but she was lighter in weight. I did not like the heavier wheelchairs; it was too hard for me to push. We did use a gel seat pad for her. Travel chairs are rated for as heavy as 300 pounds. They come in wider seat widths, too. You can get push arm extenders at an extra cost (around $60); they will add about 4 inches from the existing ones on the wheelchair. Travel wheelchairs will be a cheaper option, too.

It may be a good idea to visit a medical supply store for wheelchairs. Usually, you can try them out on site. Some will let you use one in their parking lot. Look on Amazon for starters to see the different styles and price ranges. Be prepared. Keep in mind you can look at the wheelchairs in the store without buying.

Another thought is to rent a mobility scooter. It will cost more but no one has to push and your mom has complete freedom that way. My mom was not able to do a scooter due to Alzheimer's.

 

[Groot]

If your mom can’t or doesn’t want to use a scooter for whatever reason, but she still wants the Independence of her own powered mobility, this is where I got my own powerchair.

 

[Staren]

Your best bet for raising wheelchair handles is the handle extenders like the ones that @mamabunny linked to. In general wheelchairs do not come in higher back heights to accommodate the pusher. Custom fit ultralight wheelchairs have adjustable back heights mainly so that the back will not interfere with the shoulders of a self pusher, but I'm betting one of those will be more than you really want to spend. You are looking at around $1,000 for the cheapest of those.

Seat width is a much easier problem to deal with. All models of wheelchairs come in multiple widths. The most common width for off the shelf chairs is 18", but 16" is also pretty easy to find. If you can, I would get a measurement across her hips before you go shopping. Too wide can also be a problem. Ideally it is best to get a chair that just fits.

There are good online wheelchair dealers, but if you aren't familiar with what you are buying I'd suggest shopping locally where you can get hands on.

 

[Groot]

Your best bet for raising wheelchair handles is the handle extenders like the ones that @mamabunny linked to. In general wheelchairs do not come in higher back heights to accommodate the pusher. Custom fit ultralight wheelchairs have adjustable back heights mainly so that the back will not interfere with the shoulders of a self pusher, but I'm betting one of those will be more than you really want to spend. You are looking at around $1,000 for the cheapest of those.

Seat width is a much easier problem to deal with. All models of wheelchairs come in multiple widths. The most common width for off the shelf chairs is 18", but 16" is also pretty easy to find. If you can, I would get a measurement across her hips before you go shopping. Too wide can also be a problem. Ideally it is best to get a chair that just fits.

There are good online wheelchair dealers, but if you aren't familiar with what you are buying I'd suggest shopping locally where you can get hands on.

Yeah, ANY custom manual chair can easily go above $3,000 depending on what features you get vs. about $500 for a generic chair. Scooters, depending on model, range from $1,600-$5,000.