Looking for Lightweight Wheelchair advice please

emmahip

Hi - I am helping my mum who is in her 70's, just over 5foot and about 6stone find a good lightweight wheelchair to get around in as she is struggling to go from just the car into a shop, she has COPD.
As she is quite tiny I think a narrower one than std, the smallest I can see is 16" would be best.
My questions are really:-
1. Would a self propelled one be less bumpy (as the rear wheels are bigger) - I dont think she will be wheeling herself though
2. Can anyone give any recommendations? I have seen the KArma Wren 2 which comes in 16" width but cant find any reviews.

Thanks in advance!
Emma

Nile

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GlasweJen

The important thing is that the chair fits your mum and that she has a good cushion. I'm 8 stone and use a 16" chair with a gel cushion 24 hours a day. Mine is supplied by the NHS and is very comfortable, ask your mums GP if she would be suitable for a wheelchair assessment.

Chorlie

I'm 17 stone and use a 17" seat width, I would of thought someone that small would only need a 14"/15" seat.

A lot will depend on how she will use it (on her own, all the time etc) and your budget.

But if its only to be used when she is out with someone, than some things like easy for her to lift, push etc isn't so important because the other person will do that, its finding one that's comfortable for her and meets her needs.


http://www.1stchoicemobility.co.uk/wheelchairs-and-walkers/karma-wren-2-lightweight-wheelchair/prod_459.html

I've looked at that chair and its not what I class as lightweight at 14.6Kg (32lbs), it's a part time user chair, which I guess is what she needs. She is best trying one and see how it fits, but it will be to big, heavy for a smaller older person to push / lift.

Chorlie

You can get narrow / lightweight folding chairs, which can have the likes of armrest, push handles, higher back rests, different footrest etc and is adjustable so can make it more comfortable.

But and it's a very very big BUT, they cost a lot of money:-

http://www.gerald-simonds.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=58

http://www.gerald-simonds.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=84

So it boils down to budget and how often she is going to use it, if she is using it every day it maybe be worth upping the budget. Just also spend a little more also on a good cushion if she is using it a lot, the last think she needs is a pressure sore.

emmahip

Thanks for all the info guys, I think probably her max budget is about £350 so although the ones on the site Chorlie suggested look great they are too much.
She will probably use the chair a few times a week for a couple of hours at most.
Can anyone tell me if the ones with the larger self propelling wheels are more comfortable?
I guess no-one has a Karma Wren 2 to comment on.
Thanks!
Emma

luminated

emmahip wrote: »

Can anyone tell me if the ones with the larger self propelling wheels are more comfortable?

Emma

I have a privately bought self propelling wheelchair and an NHS one with power pack. I have been in both (including NHS one without the power pack fitted) and have NO doubt whatsoever the self propelling with the bigger wheels is better for the dropped kerbs and bumps that are too common in my neck of the woods.

The dropped kerbs still have a raised edge and the NHS chair even when my wife (pusher) turns me round to pull me up are difficult. But with the motor on they can be dealt with without stopping or hesitating. The larger wheels, when the chair is turned around, just seem to be able to get up those bumps. But bear in mind I am six foot tall and around 14 or more stones.

Can you borrow from the Red Cross, one of each, so try before you commit. But as already said get an assessment through the NHS but I doubt they will be looking at any more than the bottom end of the market.

Good luck.

Chorlie

Big back wheels do make it a more comfortable ride, she can also turn the chair (move it) by herself a little, so won't feel so trapped & dependant on others.

The advantage of the smaller wheels is weight and storage, they make the chair lighter to lift in/out of a car and easier to fit into a car etc.

If she does try a 16" seat and feel its to big, you might be able to find a smaller chair (secondhand) on eBay, but do you're research beforehand and find out what she needs, then look for a chair that meets her needs.

An assessment would be best, but its unlikely for someone who will only use a chair for a couple of hours a couple of times a week.

luminated

Chorlie wrote: »

An assessment would be best, but its unlikely for someone who will only use a chair for a couple of hours a couple of times a week.

This true as I found out after my assessment as they look for usage over a minimum of four days per week.

luminated

I asked for advice on the forum on wheelchairs & it might make a bit more reading for you.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4189371

meer53

I got a lightweight wheelchair for my MIL on Ebay for £70. I looked at areas nearest to me and there was a lovely lady selling one just a mile away from me so i was able to collect it.