Buying an Electric Wheelchair for Elderly? Here’s All you Need to Know!
Seniorhood, a new chapter in your loved one’s life, might bring a lot of challenges. With age, they may need a helping hand with safer and more comfortable practices. Their body might not have the same agility and strength. It may make them dependent to move out and about- be it on canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices.
If your loved one needs to get an electric wheelchair, don’t worry- we got you covered! In this read, we will go through some of the factors one needs to know before buying an electric wheelchair.
Electric wheelchairs for Seniors
The elderly who need long-term help might benefit from wheelchairs. These help them to move around easily and not compromise their independence. Just like you, your seniors might want independence, and the feeling of self-sufficiency. This is one of the biggest reasons why people look for electric wheelchairs.
Thanks to medical advancements, we have power wheelchairs that reduce effort and simplify mobility. Before we invest in a wheelchair, it’s important to look into different parameters and pick the best one. Wheelchairs vary depending on your purpose of use, and comfort!
Electric wheelchairs come in different varieties and supports. They are not one size fits all product but customized according to individual needs.
The elderly will only get its full benefits if they choose the right wheelchair! Else it won’t provide the expected ease of movement and comfort.
1. Body Shape and Weight
Everyone has a different body shape and size. Always make sure your electric wheelchair fits your loved one. Look for the right width and weight capacity of the wheelchair. A larger piece of equipment might be potentially dangerous for your loved one whereas a small one might not help them move with ease.
2. Measurements of Wheelchair
Check for the wheelchair measurements and whether it can move around your home easily. Buying a larger, and heavy-duty wheelchair might not fit small flats. Check for the door dimensions, and whether the wheelchair can easily pass through rooms or not! Also, check for the wheelchair height, and whether the elderly can move to the bed with ease.
3. Wheelchair Speed
Make sure to purchase the wheelchair with the right drive system. You may need a lightweight electric wheelchair with normal speed- be sure of your requirements! The wheelchair speed depends on the primary usage plan. Pick between the front, middle, and rear-wheel drive. Make sure to consider the purpose of speed, terrain to be traversed, and turning radius.
4. Check Comfort
Since an electric wheelchair is a long-term investment, you must check its comfort. The Elderly should find it easy to use and maneuver. Need to increase the comfort level? Look for padding, cushions, and backrests for the elderly.
5. Additional Features
If your elderly needs a portable wheelchair that may fold or adjust its shape, look for the foldable electric wheelchair!
Wrapping up
Buying an electric wheelchair is not an easy task- it is a lifetime investment. This equipment costs a fortune, and one needs to go through all the factors before the purchase.
Apart from buying the equipment from a recognized wheelchair store like Sehaaonline, check for the brands. Our website provides a comprehensive range of international brands. Make sure to go through each wheelchair, and consider the needs of your elderly!