Mobility is indispensable for independent living. This can become a real challenge for those in elder care. Westlake Village, CA residents have lots of reasons to want to retain their independence, and this means maintaining their mobility.
But chronic health conditions can sap the mobility of those who need senior care. Westlake Village, CA senior home caregivers, like Home Instead, can help with live-in caregiver solutions, but that doesn’t always satisfy. For a person accustomed to living independently, more mobility may be needed.
This is where an electric wheelchair can be such a game changer. Caregivers for seniors in Westlake Village, CA can help pick a good electric wheelchair, and may even be able to help make one’s home more wheelchair-friendly.
But to start the conversation, here are some things to consider when buying an electric wheelchair.
Price
The most important consideration, of course, is the price. Electric wheelchairs can be very expensive, but they usually come with added features, higher quality, increased battery life, or greater comfort. So while the budget is a very important factor, spending a little more than originally planned may make a huge difference in the quality of life.
Battery Life
How long will you need to use your electric wheelchair outdoors or otherwise away from home? If you will primarily stay home, you can get away with a shorter battery life, since you will be able to plug it in more often. But if you will use your chair outdoors or in public venues for long stretches of time you should consider getting a chair with greater battery life.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Usage
An electric wheelchair that will be used outdoors more often will have larger wheels and better suspension to provide a more smooth ride over uneven or bumpy surfaces. But this may make the chair too large to navigate some of the tighter spaces in your home, or too heavy for some places. So considering how you intend to use your chair will influence which chairs you consider.
Chair Size
Your body type and size will dictate a number of things about the chair. Naturally, a larger person will require a larger chair, while a smaller person would not be comfortable at all in a large chair. Be sure to test the chair before purchasing, seeing how the cushioning and frame support your body. If you will be spending considerable time in this chair you don’t want to get something that doesn’t fit you!
Maneuverability
Electric wheelchairs come with different configurations of wheel locations and drive trains. Some provide superior power for rough and uneven surfaces, while others provide much greater maneuverability. If your home has many very tight corners you may need to limit your considerations to those with a tighter turning radius.
So when you consider an electric wheelchair keep these factors in mind. And when you’re looking for private caregivers for the elderly, Westlake Village, CA residents have the best available: the trained, licensed, bonded CAREGivers of Home Instead. Call today for an in-home assessment: (805) 429–9789.
