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.
