Best wheelchairs for dementia: ultimate solution to mobility

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The best wheelchairs for dementia are ones that are robust, stable and adjustable. A wheelchair for dementia is a great way for someone who has difficulty walking to stay mobile and remain connected to the outside world.

Choosing suitable wheelchairs for a dementia patient needs careful consideration. They are a necessity when they can no longer walk or stand for a long period of time. The best type of wheelchair is dependent on what stage of dementia they are at and their mobility level.

Types of wheelchair

There are two main types of wheelchair; manual and electric powered.

• Electric powered wheelchair

After memory, it is often the motor skills that become problematic and especially true with someone with Parkinson’s dementia and Lewy Body dementia as the dementia progresses. It is therefore important to consider ‘future proofing’ when buying aids such as a wheelchair.

• Manual wheelchair

Designed to be pushed by someone else or self propelled.

Self propelled are perfect for those that have the muscle power, strength and movement in their arms and want to remain relatively independent. Memory issues may be an issue when pushing themselves as their decision making and spatial awareness will be an important issue.

Manual are pushed by someone else. Great for someone who can stand and walk for short distances or who cannot propel themselves.

What to look for in a wheelchair

Looking for a wheelchair that can stabilise the posture is an important consideration. A wheelchair that can be adjusted to increase stability will reduce chance of a fall.

Arm rest height, back height, seat to back height are all important. For example getting the right seat to back height can help get their hips all the way back in the chair. If they are too far forward they can fall out.

Weight and size of the wheelchair is also an important issue for both the dementia person and the carer. (I speak from personal experience). If the wheelchair is too heavy the person or carer will struggle to lift it. When out in the car a lightweight and smaller wheelchair is best.

Doorframes are also an important consideration as a larger wheelchair would need to be easily manouverable in small spaces and able to go through standard door frames; both in the home and when out and about.

You can consider a power pack for a manual wheelchair. Power packs help reduce the load and effort when pushing. These packs are a set of batteries that can fit to almost any type of manual wheelchair and is ‘guided’ by the person pushing the wheelchair rather than pushed. Power packs are easily removed and fitted.

Best Wheelchairs for dementia

• If your loved one is of a larger heavier size then a more robust heavy duty wheelchair is best. This manual wheelchair is a great choice and will take up to 32 stone. It has fully adjustable foot plates and removable side arms and fully reinforced. The smaller transport wheels make for easy folding and transporting.

• This wheelchair is a great choice for easy folding and lightweight for transportation. This manual wheelchair even has a carry bag and therefore perfect if your going on holiday or out for the day.

• Combining stability, lightweight and comfort in this manual wheelchair. It is a robust aluminium frame that is lightweight at a mere 8.9 kgs making it easier to lift in and out of a car boot.

• This self propelled wheelchair is very stylish and has puncture proof tyres, padded arm rests and height adjustable foot rests. A good robust all round lightweight wheelchair.

• If you are looking for an electric wheelchair then you couldn’t go wrong with this easy folding electric wheelchair. It is for indoor and outdoor use and can be easily folded to go into a car boot. Being electric it does weigh 36kg. It has an easy to use joystick which is useful for someone with cognitive issues such as dementia. Adjustable and flip up arm rests making it easier to get in and out of the chair.

What is right for you

Ultimately, depending on your lifestyle and phase of dementia, an Occupational Therapist assessment is beneficial when considering what is right for you and your loved one. A lightweight, foldable manual wheelchair was best option of us. Lightweight to enable me to fold and lift in and out of the car for appointments and trips out. Foldable to fit into the car boot space was essential.

A manual wheelchair with a power pack was our best choice. Due to level of dementia and Parkinson’s, a self propelled was not an option. Muscle fatigue, co=ordination, tremors and cognitive processing is a big factor to limiting independent mobility. An electric wheelchair was definitely not an option due to increased risks of ability to navigate, control and be aware of risks due to his level of dementia.

Accessorize your Wheelchair

Regardless of which wheelchair you choose, there are various essential accessories that can make your journey easier and more comfortable. Most wheelchairs come with a storage bag on the back. You may find that you also need to have a walking stick with you. Transitioning in and out of the wheelchair and ability to take short walks can be made more safer with a walking aid.

From experience, taking a walking stick out with the wheelchair helped with walking short distances and getting back into the wheelchair when tired. If you are considering buying a walking stick, look at my previous blog post on walking sticks.

• A unique handmade walking stick carry bag that can be hung on the wheelchair is a perfect addition. You can find a variety of designs in my Etsy shop and I make to order.
• A practical and roomy storage underseat bag is a useful addition to any wheelchair and is waterproof.
• A waterproof is a good idea for those rainy days so that you are not stuck indoors. This poncho is a one size for adults.

Wheelchairs for someone with dementia is a big investment. Discussing with your Occupational therapist is a good idea as a starting point. Armed with the right information you can find the right wheelchair for your needs.

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