Transport chair?

Hal42

I’m thinking of purchasing a transport chair for my wife. It’s hard on her to walk long distances although she uses a rollator. We have a wheelchair but it’s getting too heavy for me to be lifting.

Do any of you have suggestions and/or recommendations for a transport chair? I know I want one with brake levers on the handles and the regular sized one. Maybe something in the $180 to $200 range? I’ve looked at several on the ‘net but after a while it gets confusing.

Thanks in advance!

I’m glad I found this alzconected forum. Lots of great people on here.

Whyzit

Our town has a “lending closet” with all kinds of equipment for disabled individuals. Check with your senior center or other local resources. We can try an item and if it doesn’t work bring it back and try something else. No charge. All items are donated and volunteers service it.

Hal42

Thank you, whyzit, for your reply which reminded me that our Council on Aging does have a department that loans out donated equipment. I’ll check with them about a chair.

JDancer

Some Lion's Clubs also have lending closets.

124Stadium

Hello, I purchased one a while back My DW can not walk for very long either. I purchased a Nova heavy duty Bariatric Transport Chair.  Its very light and easy to move.  I love it.

JJAz

Lending closets are always my first choice.  Google DME lending.  By the end, I had about 15 things that I borrowed for my Dad and husband (simultaneous), so it was a Godsend.  Medicare will pay for only 1 wheelchair, so it's usually not good to waste the choice on a transport chair.  Pay attention to weight (maybe not as important for a male caregiver), how easy to collapse and whether it fits EASILY into your trunk.  Invest in a good quality gel cushion to sit on.  May be $50.

Hal42

 Thanks to all for your replies. I had never heard of a “lending closet”. I looked them up and there aren’t any near me. Also it seems they have a time limit on how long an item can be borrowed. I prefer to not be limited  time-wise. 

I’m now thinking of purchasing a light weight wheel chair rather than a transport chair.  I’ll first check our local C of A. Maybe they will have one.

After reading lots of reviews on the t/c there seems to be a tendency for the chair to tip over if the rider tries to get out of it unattended. Knowing my wife wanting to be independent, it’s not worth taking even one chance she’ll want out of the chair while  I’m not in attendance. 

We do have a wheel chair we borrowed from our local Council on Caring two or three years ago. But it’s heavy. Seems it keeps gaining weight while in storage! Similar to my clothes closet that shrinks my clothes.