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I switched from a transit chair to one that is easier to push but the back wheels are so large that I am having trouble getting it into the car. It is a bit heavier and so cumbersome. I am 80 years old and afraid of hurting myself by lifting this chair into the trunk. Any advice as to making this chore easier ?

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Happy2stitch, when you and your husband go out in the car and reach your destination, what will you mainly be using the wheelchair for?

Also: how large and how heavy is your husband? (roughly - I'm not asking for his vital statistics!)

There is a mobility specialist store which I hope is within reach for you, and whose customers praise their customer service in reviews. The thing to do is to give these people a ring, explain what your husband's needs are AND what your needs are when it comes to the wheelchair and transport, and ask their advice. I will send you the website link in a private message, because there are rules about advertising on the forum and I wouldn't want to break them. I just found these details by Googling "mobility equipment, Scarsdale NY" and seeing what came up.

It is also very important to shop around yourself and not just take the first product offered. When you do find a wheelchair that's a possibility, ask to try it first and check that you can manage it easily - and don't buy it unless they'll let you!

Private message to follow :)
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I found a couple of videos that might give you some ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgJia-r9mEc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gel-F-mJnL8

Difficulty loading the chair is one of the big reasons people opt for the transport chairs, I'm much younger than you and I found mom's wheelchair a brute to handle but I agree it is much easier to push than a transport chair. I imagine that people would be willing to lend you a hand if you play helpless old lady - I've wanted to jump in several times when I watch people coming and going at the doctor's office down the street.
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We had to switch my Mom to a transport chair from the one with the big wheels because we had several people taking her out and nobody but me could lift the chair into the hatch of her minivan. It was a little hard to push, but that's the tradeoff we made.

At one point my mother had a folding crane-type contraption in the back of her car that picked up the wheelchair (power chair) on a big hook and delivered it into the hatch. This was powered by the car's 12-volt electrical system. I don't know if there's a smaller system that could be used for push wheelchairs or that would fit into a regular car trunk.

When we used to push wheelchairs, I never noticed that the smaller wheels made the transport wheelchair harder to push. Perhaps you and hubby could go to a mobility store and test out different wheelchairs for weight and ease of pushing. If nothing works, I can only suggest using a transport service for disabled people (if there is one in your area) that would assist him and his wheelchair into the vehicle or lift him right inside the vehicle while still seated.

Best of luck to you finding what works for you and him.
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When my husband needed a wheelchair for a while, we lucked onto a barely used "hybrid" chair whic allows you to swap between big big wheels and small ones. It's sturdier than a transport chair, but a lot lighter than a regular wheelchair. We ended up using it with just the small wheels, though of course that meant he always had to be pushed and couldn't push himself. I found it quite easy to push, and my husband is a tall guy though not super heavy. . But for transport, it definitely worked well. The big bonus: It was light enough for me to get in and out of our car (33 lbs). Here's the one we have: https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Wheelchair-Transport-Desk-Length-Swing-Away/dp/B00A3PQDM6
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HVsdaughter Jul 2019
Well, if that isn't the best invention! :)
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These folks answering know more than I do, I'd just suggest if financially and logistically feasible to get a 2nd lighter weight one and leave it in the car...that will cut down on the amount of in/out you have to do. Take care of yourself, I'm glad you are thinking about being careful and hurting yourself potentially...it will be a bigger mess without you around to care for him. Also be sure not to overlook any potential local office on aging offerings...at least some of the time maybe they offer transportation for both of you that might have a wheelchair lift and they would handle the bulk of the effort and strain.
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I am only 54 but small... I use a transporter chair. It's got 4 small wheels and way lighter.
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In our area they offer transport services that will take ur loved one to Dr's appointments. I never used one but had inquired into when my mother became immobile. She is on hospice now.
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I bought my husband a Portable wheel chair that folds and you carry it in a black zip up bag , It's not that heavy for me . I bought it on Amazon. My husband is 229 lbs but when I bought it he was 265 pounds. The chair holds up to 350 pounds. All you do is carry it by the handle or on your shoulder. Unfolded , all you do is put the attachments on that hold the feet . Cup holder and all. You can literally throw it on the floor in the back of the car , Works for me and I'm 80 years old .Hope this helps .
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You can get hurt and you will have to live with it. If your husband is on Medicaid, chances are you have transport benefits. If not, see if you can get home doctor visits. Call your local council of the aging or do an internet search regarding home doctor visits which chances are a nurse practitioner can come over and draw labs, prescribe routine medications, and so on. Other possibilities are teledoctors.
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There is a wheel hair called a transport chair ,it is SO MUCH LIGHTER!! GOOD LUCK
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