Recommendation for comfortable and supportive wheelchair

Herald

My dad has Lewy Body Dementia with parkinsonism and his symptoms have worsened over the last couple of months following an infection and stay in hospital. He can no longer walk and has to be hoisted out of bed by two carers. He cannot bear his own weight and his core body strength has diminished. He is now in a nursing home.

The wheelchair we have had for him for a while – a lightweight bulk standard one – is no longer suitable. The nurse in the home has suggested that Dad needs a more comfortable wheelchair, and one that will support his upper body. She has found him slumped forward in his usual wheelchair a couple of times. We have noticed for a couple of years that he tends to lean to the side. At the moment we are trying to rectify this using pillows positioned at his side if possible.

I am wondering whether other people have any suggestions on a suitable wheelchair. It needs to be one that he can sit in for several hours, but he doesn't have to travel outside in it. I have been looking at tilt and recline chairs, also Broda wheelchairs (although I think they are only available in America). When I search for ‘Comfort Wheelchairs’ it seems to bring up the tilt ones.

Any recommendations would be gratefully received.

figraspberry41

#Hi Herald,

Does your father live in the UK? If so, you need to contact an O.T. either via Social Services or GP, you may even find a contact number for and O.T. service through a Rehabilitation Unit. An O.T. should be able to assess your Dad's needs and prescribe a wheelchair specifically for his body shape. It might take a while as they are custom made but at least your Dad can be more comfortable (and feel safer) in a chair designed for him. I have seen wheelchairs such as these for patients with same similar conditions and they have much higher backs with neck and other supports that 'fit' better with your Dad's body shape and ability to support himself whilst int he chair (or not as the case may be).

I'm sorry to hear that your Dad suffers with two debilitating conditions, it is very difficult for everyone who cares for people with such devastating conditions. I hope that you find an O.T. that can meet your Dad's needs and enable him to feel comfortable, it can make a big difference to their general wellbeing. Good Luck.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Herald, Sorry to hear your dad's health has worsened recently. As figraspberry41 suggested, an Occupational Therapist might be able to help your dad to find a wheelchair to suit him better.

But if you don't find anything suitable, you could try contacting ReMap. They're a volunteer-run charity that and help make equipment adaptations for people who can't find the things they need ready-made:

Find your nearest REMAP branch | REMAP