Wheelchair for Mum - some practical considerations

Almost 3 years ago, we bought a 'pusher' wheelchair for Mum.  She was 80yo and had a couple of falls but luckily they were not serious ones.  Of course, at the point, we also noticed her movement was slowing too.  Mum has always been perceptive - when I first broached the idea of buying her a wheelchair, she refused.  For good reason too, I might add as she treasures her 'independence' above all else.

To be wheeled around signals to many of our older folks something sinister.  It took us a while but she finally came round to it.  She was also afraid that she might become dependent on the wheelchair too. 

We assured her that it would be used  to travel long distances - to minimize the discomfort or aches to her legs.  A perhaps equally practical consideration was to help us move her faster as we still want to bring her for regular outings.  Mum still walks on her own with the walker in the house and for shorter distances- the four legged one that stabilizes her gait.  She gets her leg massages every night too.  

When I visited the store to look for the wheelchair, I saw the variety available.  We bought her a 'pusher' - compact with smaller wheels - weighing 10 kilograms priced at $299.  Pushers are meant to be for, literally pushing - the wheels are smaller and they come with handbrakes and wheel lockers.  It has helped us very much.  Most important, we could bring her out for meals and functions or just outings.

Recently, I found that she has outgrown the pusher - literally as Mum is quite heavy-set.  She complained that the chair feels cramped and uncomfortable to sit for long.  She also almost had another fall when she tried to get up to walk.  So we 'upgraded' her to a proper wheelchair.  This one can be self-wheeling since the wheels are bigger and come with handle wheels.  I tried it around the shop - and felt it would be better for her too.  Our helper also finds it lighter to handle and she is not so afraid of uneven ground as this is more stable.  Price - S$370 before the 10% discount.  It is aluminium and indeed feels lighter though it is heavier at 12.5kg.  

To help her move in and out of the house, we bought a ramp price S$80/- - they have EVERYTHING nowadays.  You need to only search (google) on the internet.  The ramp is made of wood with 2 inch height and a natural slope to allow for ease of wheeling.  Huat also installed more handle bars near the toilets so she can steady her walk when she needs to use them.  

We all feel good when we can help her live a quality of life that she can enjoy and we can afford too.  Sharing this episode about wheelchair purchase is hopefully useful for those who need to do the same for their elderly relatives too.  Let me know if you want to find out more.