Wheelchair question.....
 

My mother is in a nursing home and our family would like to purchase a light weight wheelchair that we can use to take her out to restaurants etc. I've been looking on-line at the light weight transport models and most come with 4 small wheels instead of the 2 large and 2 small.

Anyone know if the small wheel type are harder to push around?? Do they manuver as well?
Any advice on things I should look for? I don't want to spend a lot of money but I don't want to waste money by buying something that won't push around well.

Mom is only 90 pounds so I don't think we need a heavy duty one.
I would like it to fold and go in the trunk of the car easily.
Perhaps someone has a type that they really like or a style I should stay away from? It would only be used for short periods of time.

Hi Karilann, the transport chairs with small wheels are really only useful in ideal conditions and for short trips (transport from car to interior/from one airport gate to another...). I have a Quckie light-weight with full-sized wheels that is easy to lift into a trunk. The foot rests pop off, I pull up on the center of the seat and it's folded and good to go. It's about 15 years old and works just fine. I've only had it tuned once, I think I paid about $400 for it.

They claimed it retailed for $1200, but they were able to perform a miracle for me, so I'd recommend holding out for a better price. Also, there are sometimes wheelchairs available at thrift stores but you have to be quite diligent and not too picky on what you get. Because your mom is so small, the right fit will make a big difference in terms of comfort and safety.

Perhaps you could take her to a local supplier and decide which chair and size is best for her, then look for the best price available. I hope you find just the right one.

Wow Cindy you hit the nail on the head! I was about to tell her the same thing. If money is a problem you should contact her doc write a rx for a chair. As I remember Medicare will pay all or at least some of the cost...:)

Transport wheelchairs have small wheels and are best pushed by another. I like big back wheels so I can propel myself in stores (DH not a very helpful shopper) What would be best for your mom? I have a travel Invacare manual wheelchair that my 16 YOs can fold and put in trunk. I've seen similar on Internet (some places ship free) for under $200 - 500.00. Do you think Mom will ever need a powerchair? Check insurance for details of what insurance will pay. The max allowed by my insurance for a proposed price by a company that represented them was a difference of 13,000 dollars. Yikes, I can'y pay that. Looking for one with less bells and whistles. My Dad's nursing home loaned us a chair for funerals, so we didn't need one much. There weren't many places he wanted to go, he had Dementa and they would loan us one on visits to go ouside. Look at your and Mom's needs, then decide. We bought a manual too fast and it is too big for me (I'm short and 110)