Recommendation for comfortable and supportive wheelchair

Herald
Herald Online Community Member Posts: 12 Listener

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.

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Comments

  • figraspberry41
    figraspberry41 Scope Member Posts: 140 Empowering

    #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
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 6,816 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    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

  • JanetfromDorset
    JanetfromDorset Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    I have a very supportive adjustable wheelchair which I purchased with the help of an occupational therapist who was incredibly helpful in providing the full support we needed for a severely disabled gentleman. It has 4 wheels and can be used for outings with a taxi who can accommodate a wheelchair in position. This is no longer possible, so I need to sell it on. It is fully adjustable and tilts to almost a full incline.

    Maybe you could find an O.T who would be willing to do the same for you.

    I am sorry to hear about your dad, It's a difficult time for you all.

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 11,423 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Welcome to the community @JanetfromDorset I'm glad to see your issues with registering have been fixed. 😊

  • Chris75_
    Chris75_ Online Community Member Posts: 3,546 Championing

    I have no complaints about my Sunrise Medical QuickieQ700M, with lift and tilt. If I was being critical, however, I do wish that my model had come with leg raising, as I get grief from my knees if I can't straighten my legs from time to time.