25/06/2026
One thing I sometimes hear is… “I just need a wheelchair to get out and about” or “I got myself a wheelchair” 😊
Because these types of transit wheelchairs are relatively low cost - often around $300 to $500 - people sometimes buy one themselves or wonder why they need an OT involved at all.
But even a simple wheelchair still needs to be prescribed.
As OTs, we’re looking at much more than the chair itself. Is it the right size? Does it provide appropriate support? Is it comfortable? Can the carer push it safely? Will it fit in the boot of the car? Is it the right solution for the person’s functional needs?
For this participant living with dementia, the wheelchair wasn’t prescribed because she can’t walk. It was prescribed because community outings had become increasingly difficult due to fatigue, reduced safety awareness and the level of supervision required.
The right wheelchair isn’t always the most expensive one. Sometimes it’s simply about choosing the right equipment, for the right person, at the right time.
24/04/2026