We recently got a bath chair for DH. I never thought that he would use one, but he loves it. He has health problems besides dementia, and often doesn't really feel well enough to stand long enough to shower. Now sometimes he will go shower before I even suggest it. I had no idea how much easier it would make things for him.
We got an extra-sturdy chair, in case he falls and his whole weight strikes it. It also has a back and a side arm (the arm fits on either side, depending on how your shower faces). I really like those features, because they are great for people if they slip or slump. There is no way to fall off the back.
I wanted to share this, because I didn't realize what a big help it would be. I also had no idea what to look for in a bath chair until I went to the medical device store. I probably would have gotten something without the bells and whistles if it had been left up to me.
Does anybody have experience with wheelchairs? It appears that one of those is in our near future. The only thing I thought of is that it needs to be collapsible so I can load it in the van. Any suggestions? Thanks.
This is the one I bought, and I have used it for both my father and Sid. (Not at the same time - LOL) My Dad weighs 175lbs. Sid weighs 250lbs. It is lightweight and easy to get in and out of the trunk. It has pockets in the back for a water bottle and snacks or whatever else you need to take. I have no strength, and I am able to get it in and out of the car. http://astore.amazon.com/wwwthealzheim-20/detail/B002ZIVIWY
The wheels are small. It is NOT designed for the person to be able to turn the wheels themselves with their hands. You have to push them in the wheelchair, but it is for travel, not every day use. It is excellent.
We have a regular heavy wheelchair with the big wheels for the house - all wheelchairs fold up for transport, but there is no way, I can lift the big one into the back of the SUV.
Joan, I think you have what is called a "transport" chair. We got one for Claude. It is sturdy and very lightweight, and fit easily in the trunk. I couldn't lift the regular one either.
http://www.jeremyborum.com/AlzForum/GlowingToiletSmall.jpg I saw this on another forumm Might help your LO find there way. And maybe not?? It was back lit.
I think a transport chair is in the making. Does anyone have one that has the big wheels in the back and small wheels in the front,and if so, does it work well? How about weight? There are so many to look at on websites!
Vickie, check out spinlife.com. They have several different types of wheelchairs. The transport chair we got had small wheels in front and back. It worked okay. Spinlife shows a transport chair with big wheels in back and small in front. There is an Ultralite wheelchair that has the big in back and small wheels in front and it is only 27#.
Unfortunately when you are lifting them in and out of a vehicle, they are all heavy :-)
This is the one I bought - it's very sturdy, but also lightweight - easy to get in and out of the car - http://astore.amazon.com/wwwthealzheim-20/detail/B000N64K2A
This is the smaller one for someone who isn't as big as Sid - http://astore.amazon.com/wwwthealzheim-20/detail/B000BJEZ8I
This is the whole selection - http://astore.amazon.com/wwwthealzheim-20/search?node=3&keywords=transport+wheelchair&preview=
For my husband's 101 year old aunt, we have a transport chair with somewhat bigger wheels in the back, and I think it is easier to push on rough ground and over the bump at the door of most restaurants. Think about where you want the brakes. For dementia, you probable want one with brakes on the handles so easy for the caregiver pushing to use. Some have brakes where the person in the chair can reach them more easily.
A device called a handy-bar can be helpful if the person has physical problems getting in and out of the car but can still follow instructions. My husband also finds very helpful a vertical pole that goes from floor to ceiling near his recliner--gives him something to hold on to.
A bench to sit on outside the shower can also be a help, if there is room for one.