Wheelchairs come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. The wheelchair for elderly people is able to accommodate the needs of seniors with different physical abilities. If you’re looking for wheelchair prices, then this article will give you all that information.
What Is a Wheelchair?
A wheelchair is an aid vehicle for elderly people that is designed to help the user move around. Wheelchairs are made using different materials and they can be adjusted to desired positions depending on their use. For example, new power wheelchairs from MarcsMobility.com may have footrests or neckrests in order to provide comfort when sitting down or standing up.
The Benefits of a Wheelchair
A wheelchair helps to maintain an active life for people with physical disabilities. In addition, wheelchairs reduce the risk of health problems such as blood clots and pneumonia due to immobility. For elderly users, a wheelchair means being able to stay connected to their community by going out more often. As they can now move around independently.
While sitting in a wheelchair, your flexibility is increased. At the same time, the risk of falling down is decreased in such a case. Another perk is the wheelchair design. They are usually lightweight and foldable. This makes them easy to carry and transport. Wheelchairs for seniors are compact enough to be able to get to narrow spaces and move around.
Depending on the needs of your elderly parents, you should consider various types of a wheelchair.
9 Common Types of Wheelchairs
1. Manual Wheelchair
Manual wheelchairs are operated by pushing the wheelchair by using your hands. If you or your parent still have enough strength to push a wheelchair, it might make a good choice. Such wheelchairs are lightweight and easy to transport.
2. Electric Wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs provide more independent movement with a motor. It can be controlled through levers or buttons located on armrests. The electric wheelchair runs on a battery. The device is controlled through joysticks. They are easy-to-use wheelchairs that can be very helpful for seniors with mobility issues.
The drawback of this wheelchair type is its price due to the fact that they need to purchase batteries regularly. It’s important to check whether there are any special perks such as free replacement batteries included in the package when buying an electric wheelchair.
3. Self-Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchair users only need to use their arms (and sometimes their head) in order to move forward and backward without having to touch any controls. This wheelchair makes use of motors and works similarly to an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Self-propelled wheelchairs provide more freedom compared to the manual since they allow you to drive them faster and travel longer distances.
4. Transport Wheelchair
Transport wheelchairs are regularly smaller and lighter than standard power wheelchairs. They are designed for short-term use, mostly in a hospital or on an airplane. They have small wheels and are designed to be pulled by an attendant instead of being ridden by the patient.
5. Sports Wheelchair
Sports wheelchairs are wheelchairs that are uniquely tailored for use while in sports activities. They include racing chairs, basketball wheelchairs, and tennis wheelchairs. All of those are customized for the sport they are used in, with features such as angled wheels for maneuverability or a reinforced structure.
6. Tilt-In-Space Wheelchair
The tilt-in-space wheelchairs enable the backrests to tilt backward while keeping the position of the backrest to the seat. This feature assists in pressure redistribution, posture, breathing, and digestion.
7. Reclining Wheelchair
Reclining wheelchairs are designed with backrests that can be tilted to near-flat angles. These are especially useful to users who often need to switch between sitting and standing or those with health complications.
8. Bariatric Wheelchair
Bariatric wheelchairs are those that are equipped to support individuals who have higher weight limits. Such models usually come with reinforced frames, wide seats, and better stability.
9. Standing Wheelchair
Standing wheelchairs come with a feature that enables the users to stand up while still being supported. This can enhance the blood flow in the body, strengthen the bones, and also bring psychological effects.
How Much Does a Wheelchair Cost?
The average cost of a wheelchair for elderly people is $400. The price of a wheelchair greatly depends on its features and the materials used in manufacturing it. Whether they are plastic, aluminum, or steel. The more expensive wheelchairs have added perks. These are free replacement batteries included, a wheelchair cover, and more.
Some wheelchairs also include a headrest pillow and seatbelt for the extra safety of your loved one. On average, manual wheelchairs cost around $300. While power-operated wheelchair prices go up to $800. The device’s price depends on the brand and model you choose. Self-propelled wheelchairs cost up to $600.
Wheelchair Accessories Cost – Additional Costs You May Have to Consider
- You may need shoulder pads that cost about $40 per pair if your parent has limited movement of their arms.
- Hospital bed rails can be purchased for $80. And wheelchair armrest pads cost around $20 each.
- Wheelchair repair: if your wheelchair gets damaged, you may need to pay a fee of about $200 or more. It depends on how much it is needed that the wheelchair looks new again. This cost will also depend on which parts are broken in the wheelchair.
- Wheelchair rental: some wheelchair manufacturers offer wheelchair rental services for about $40 per month.
- Overnight wheelchair service costs. Most hospitals are equipped with wheelchair service that can come to your home and pick up or deliver a wheelchair no matter what time it is. If you need overnight wheelchair service, expect to pay around $80 for each visit. This might not be necessary if the person has another way of getting out at night like using crutches.
Conclusion
It is important to be able to provide a wheelchair for those who need one. If you or someone in your family has been unable to walk, then this article may have helped you understand the cost of wheelchairs and how they can help people live more comfortably.
We hope that we’ve provided some helpful insights into what it takes to make sure as many people as possible are able to afford a wheelchair when needed.
