Now with his dementia he can no longer use a walking stick, cane or walker. I was thinking of getting a wheelchair that I could push on some paths so we could get some fresh air and sunshine. He cannot maneuver one himself, I think. I was hoping you good people could give me some recommendations.
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If you have difficulty pushing a wheelchair on the paths (some can be a gradual incline and make it hard if you arent in good shape) you might want to take someone with you on initial run to see if it's too hard for you.. You might also talk to a golf course about letting you just drive the course with him in a cart. Both of you get outside and should be quite safe. Check with a local zoo to see if they have any trains that operate within the park - pay to ride it a couple of rounds. A local school might allow you to push him around the track in a chair.
Consider taking your husband on level, paved trails if you are not athletic.
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https://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/wa-wheelchair-accessible-trails/
I haven't checked, but I bet the people associated with this website will also have useful advice on selecting the right models. Or you Google that too, specifying your husband's size and shape and weight, and what you intend to use the chair for. E.g. "best wheelchair for hiking trails."
My favorite is explore.org which offers myriad wildlife viewing options. For example, with their live link I am watching gorgeous bears in rushing water trying to catch dinner this minute: https://explore.org/livecams
I hope this helps!
Another option to think about if your hubby is still mobile and able enough for short trips is an ATV tour. Depending on where you live, there are many that offer tour guides and can take you out on the trails in a UTV (side-by-side- very similar to a golf cart but made for off-road- some seat 4). This would be much safer for him as opposed to a regular ATV where he would have to sit behind the driver and hang on- and which for someone with limited mobility might be impossible. Also dependent on the time of year, there may be wildlife sightings as part of the tour (for instance, Elk season, etc.).
Can he stand? Is he able to get out of a car? If the answer is 'no' to these questions then you won't be able to take him out unless it's in a wheelchair van that has a lift.
If he's still able to stand and get out of the car then a travel wheelchair might be just the thing. They are lightweight and easy to fold up and put in a trunk or backseat. You won't need an assessment from anybody or an order from a doctor to get one. Walgreens has them. CVS carries them too. They cost about 80 bucks.
The thing is they really only work on pavement. Trying to use one on grass or gravel won't work.
Styles and options:
https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Mobility/Rollator-Walkers/c/RollatorWalkers?q=%3Apopularity%3Acategory%3A4-WheelRollators
Ours was similar in style to this one, but if I remember correctly, there was also a basket between the top handlebars. These rollators can and should be adjusted for height, so that the user isn't bending over to reach the bars.
https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/products/mobility/rollator-walkers/4-wheel-rollators/duet-rollatortransport-chair-8-casters/p/52-1
Safer for movement though might be a motorized scooter. It's key and battery operated, so it does need charging. It's very similar to the motorized scooters in grocery stores but smaller.
There are probably more varieties here than you might need, but you can get an idea how basic vs. complicated they are.
https://www.1800wheelchair.com/category/291/electric-mobility-scooters/
We found a good one at a garage sale held by the son of an elderly woman who had just passed.
If you get one with ignition, get duplicate keys made ASAP.
Personally, I think the motorized chairs are more functional. You don't have to push, so there's no constant strain on your back. And the rider has some sense of independence, as he/she can steer, stop and start on his/her own.
They will assess his functions now and some to come and can have a custom chair made for him.
I believe they can do it at an outpatient rehab (my moms was done at her outpatient ) and I think they even come to your home to see if he qualifies and assess him.
The in home assessment may be better as OT and PT can assess the home with you and give you ideas of and suggestions to make the home have easier accessibility.
Again his dr would just have to write up the script and it is covered under Medicare.