Would my husband be able to use an electric wheelchiar? He has Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. He is between stage 4 and 5 PD. Dementia is mild. He currently walks with a zimmer frame. His mobility is worsening rapidly. I wanted him to have some independence and thought an electric wheelchair might be the answer. I don’t want to spend around £1,000 only to find he either cannot manage it or he can but only for a very short time. I know everyone is different, but I thought it might help me to hear from forum members. Thank you in advance. C
Hi Carol99 … I would imagine that you can hire / rent one to see if he gets on with it.
Best wishes
Steve2
Contact your local Occupational Therapy community service. They will be able to assess your husbands needs and provide guideance about the best way to deal with his problems.
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Good idea PeteT … Probably go through your GP [I did] or phone direct. They may
have something you can borrow or know good outlets locally.
Best of luck
Steve2
Hello Carol99
You will need to check out the local referral process but I suggest your husband has an assessment by your local wheelchair service; even if he doesn’t qualify for provision of a powered chair you should have a better understanding of how viable that option is before spending your money should you choose to go ahead privately and give you some pointers as to what sort of features you would need to consider.
Tot
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Hello Carol,
A lot of the electric wheelchairs & lightweight folding power chairs, can have an attendant controll as an accessory. Some are physically fitted on the push bar on the back of the chair and some work through an app on a mobile phone which gives you full control of the chair. It sounds a bit of a gimick but does mean that once in bed for example I can drive my powerchair to the corner of the room so it is out of the way. Equally I can drive it back to me, though an empty chair moving on its own does spook my dog.
There are a lot of good mobility companies around and as already said in another reply it is possible to hire these on a short term usually weekly or longer term basis. If wheelchair service can not help ask around locally for the name of reliable mobility shops. The good ones will normally offer a home visit and assessment free of charge to ensure that you get a chair that you are both happy with and to suggest any adsptions your home may require. They will make sure that you have the best battery for your needs as there are limits on the batteries output if you are flying and the right dimensions for getting around your home and if you cruise the dimensions do not exceed the maximum permitted.
Best wishes John 
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Yeah you can go in or they will come to your house and show you and demonstrate different scooters small and big fold up ones to go in boot of car.And if you want brand new one, you can use mobility allowance
Hello
My husband with Parkinsons Disease has an electric wheelchair supplied by the nhs. He has had failed orthopeadic operations causing him to be unable to stand. I don’t know what the criteria is to have a nhs supply one or indeed if this is the same throughout the UK. It was our GP that referred my husband to the nhs wheelchair service.
My husband (81) does not have dementia and generally gets on with the electric wheelchair well, although doorways in the house are scratched and hit and all furniture is pushed to the walls, carpets are ruined as are kitchen cabinets and furniture edges.
He doesn’t like taking it outside very much (other than the garden) because the controls are a joystick which responds too quickly to pavement bumps and holes, quicker than he can respond to rectify himself. If the camber tilts on a pavement he feels off balance easily. This is an internal feeling as opposed to him actually becoming unbalanced.
Good luck, hope you are successful.
If your husband is in receipt of DLA /PIP
speak to motability
It’s thoughtful of you to consider options for your husband’s independence. While electric wheelchairs can be a great solution for some, it’s important to assess his ability to safely and comfortably operate one. Factors like coordination, reaction time, cognitive abilities, and motor control should be evaluated, especially with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia in mind.
It might be helpful to trial an electric wheelchair before purchasing. Many mobility stores or organizations offer rental or trial options, which can help determine if it’s a good fit for him without committing to the full cost upfront. You could also consult with an occupational therapist or mobility specialist for personalized advice and recommendations. Their expertise can ensure you choose the right solution for his specific needs.
Given that your husband is in the later stages of Parkinson’s Disease and currently experiencing mild dementia, introducing an electric wheelchair can be beneficial, but it also comes with important considerations. While many individuals with limited mobility find great freedom and improved quality of life with powered mobility devices, the success largely depends on their ability to operate the controls safely and consistently.
Since you’ve mentioned his dementia is still mild, he may be able to learn and adapt to using a joystick-controlled electric wheelchair—especially if it is introduced gradually, in a safe and familiar environment. Models like the TopMate EW11, for instance, are compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, which may help ease the learning curve.
That said, because Parkinson’s affects coordination and reaction time, and with the progression toward stage 5, it’s important to consult his healthcare provider or occupational therapist first. They can perform an assessment to determine if an electric wheelchair is appropriate at this stage, or if a caregiver-controlled power wheelchair (some have companion remotes) might be safer long-term.
It might also be worth considering rental or trial options before committing to a full purchase. Some mobility retailers or local disability support services offer short-term rentals, which can help you evaluate whether the chair suits his current and near-future needs.
Wishing you both the best as you navigate these decisions—your care and thoughtfulness in planning for his independence are truly commendable.
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I believe coconut oil in coffee helps with dementia patients, a table spoon.
The fatty acids help the brain function.
Thank you for sharing your situation. Given your husband’s stage of Parkinson’s Disease and mild dementia, it’s understandable that you’re looking into ways to support his independence. An electric wheelchair can indeed offer increased mobility, but several factors should be carefully considered—particularly cognitive function, hand coordination, and safety awareness.
Since he’s between stage 4 and 5, it’s crucial to consult with his neurologist or occupational therapist before making a purchase. They can assess whether he has the physical and mental capacity to operate the chair safely. Sometimes, a trial with a rental or demo unit from a mobility provider is a good first step—this allows you both to test it in a familiar environment without the full financial commitment.
Many caregivers in similar situations have found electric wheelchairs helpful, especially models with intuitive controls, safety features like anti-tip wheels, and caregiver override options. But as you’ve rightly noted, everyone is different, and progression can be unpredictable.
Wishing you and your husband the best as you explore options—your thoughtfulness and planning will surely make a difference in his comfort and independence.