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.
Hello Sukisoo, thank you for your post. We’re sorry to hear that your dad’s symptoms have recently worsened, and we hope that others on this forum may be able to share their experiences with you.
If you’d like any further guidance or advice. You can also call our helpline. It’s free and totally confidential, and our trained advisers can refer you to a Parkinson’s nurse: 0808 800 0303.
Sending all our love,
The Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
Sukisoo hi,
My husband had similar problems when his mobility declined. I bought a wheelchair from The Netherlands that had a continuous footplate since he couldn’t use one with two divided footplates because of the pain it caused. That was about ten years ago and things will have changed in the meantime (maybe).
If you can get an Occupational Therapist out to visit your dad they will have knowledge of what he needs, they might not supply it but you can apply for a grant from Parkinson’s UK for a one off purchase like wheelchairs or booster/recliner chairs, car hoists, etc.
Getting the right one will make a huge difference to your dad and how he lives as pain free and comfortably as possible.
Good luck with your search, the right one is out there and it’s worth the time and energy to find it. Cheers Jo
Thank you, Jo. I don’t think Dad would be eligible for a grant because he doesn’t have Parkinson’s, he has Lewy Body Dementia. The NHS have told me that he’s not even eligible for a wheelchair because he wouldn’t be using it every day so we are having to fund everything ourselves. I really appreciate your taking the time to reply.