5 Types of Wheelchairs for the Elderly
A wheelchair is the most common type of mobility aid for an elderly parent to stay mobile in an independent way. In this guide, we share more in detail about the benefits of different types of wheelchairs, their features, and how to choose a wheelchair for the elderly.
5 Different Types of Wheelchairs for the Elderly
- Manual Wheelchair
- Power/Electric Wheelchair
- Transportation Wheelchair
- Standing Wheelchair
- All-Terrain Wheelchair
1. Manual Wheelchair
A manual wheelchair is a basic type of wheelchair for seniors to move around with their own physical strength or with someone pushing it behind.
Main Features:
- Benefit those who still can stand upright and walk with a stick for a short distance
- A practical solution for going out for lunch or walking in the park
- Lightweight and folding for easy transport and storage, designed with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels
- The advantage of being low-maintenance and affordable
- The disadvantage of having sufficient upper body strength with full arms
2. Power Wheelchair
Power wheelchair, also called an electric wheelchair, is a popular mobility device for seniors to move freely without the need for upper body effort. With the battery-powered motor, these wheelchairs provide additional independence and allow for long distances.
Main Features:
- Benefit for someone who wants more independence or lacks upper-body strength
- Not just for indoor but also for outdoor, with all different terrains like glass and sand
- Have larger wheels to be more stable in all terrains and smooth navigation controlled with one hand only
- Portable and easy to store for travel, a perfect choice for freedom of mobility and comfort in daily movement
- Generally bigger and heavier than manual one because of the battery and motor
3. Transportation Wheelchair
Transport wheelchairs are perfect for short trips or outings where the older adults don’t need to self-propel. Unlike the manual and power wheelchairs, there is no large back wheels in transport wheelchairs.
Main Features:
- Designed to be pushed by a caregiver or companion
- Often used in hospital settings as well as available for home use
- Ultra-light with small back and front wheels, able to maneuver in tight spaces such as narrow hallways or crowded areas
- Unable to propel themselves, but have to be pushed by others
4. Standing Wheelchair
As a new type of standing technology on the basis of traditional wheelchairs, the standing wheelchair can increase the range of daily activities of the disabled.
Main Features:
- Benefit for those who practice to stand independently with both arms for rehabilitation training
- The technology system ensures safety and stability while standing
- Effectively promoting body circulation, exercising legs and whole body muscle training
5. All-Terrain Wheelchair
All terrain wheelchair is being top performers on loose terrain like sandy beaches or gravel paths even in snow. It is a perfect choice for some seniors who enjoy exploring the active world.
- Ideal for individuals enjoy outdoor activities
- Offer greater maneuverability on various terrains such as grass, gravel, sand, and even snow
- Sturdy frames with larger wheels and suspension systems to absorb shocks and bumps
- Enable elderly people to participate in nature adventures and keep a positive lifestyle
How to Choose Different Types of Wheelchairs?
Whether you are choosing a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair or other types of wheelchairs, there are three important points that should be considered. All seniors need is to live a wheelchair life in a safe, comfortable, and free-mobility way.
- Size-There are no standard wheelchair size that is suitable for all users. If the wheelchair is too wide, they’ll topple sideways and end up propped up on their elbow and one butt cheek for stability. Just choose the most comfortable dimensions by trying out various sizes.
- Seats-As the most important part of a wheelchair, it has to be comfortable to sit in, especially for a long time.
- Mobility-Suspension system can help reduce pain and smooth navigation control ensures a great driving experience, giving you the freedom of independence.
- Certification- Should be approved by CE and MSDS in Europe and FDA in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do wheelchairs cost?
A: A manual wheelchair costs $500 to $1000, and a powered wheelchair may be $1000 to $5000, plus, depending on a range of features and your different needs.
Q: How long do wheelchair batteries last?
A: Generally, power wheelchair batteries last up to 10 hours or about 15 miles. It is recommended that batteries be fully charged overnight.
Q: What is the most common wheelchair size?
A: The typical wheelchair is around 36 inches tall, 25 inches wide, and 32 inches long. But just choose the most comfortable dimensions by trying out various sizes.