Apr 13, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Changes with Age: Manual Wheelchair Considerations for the Geriatric Client

The geriatric client can easily be overlooked as someone who could benefit from a custom-fitted, ultralightweight, adjustable manual wheelchair. They are too often provided with a 'basic' wheelchair without much consideration.

This presentation will review how the normal ageing process causes losses in strength and muscle mass, decreased range of motion, and postural changes. Discussions will explore how these normal age-related changes can be intensified by disease processes that necessitate wheelchair utilisation.

This session will review the normal physiological changes that come with ageing, and how proper wheelchair seating, base selection, fitting, and set-up can be justified for the geriatric client. A 'one size fits all' approach should not be used for a geriatric client who utilises a wheelchair for daily mobility.

Participants who attend this presentation will gain an understanding of how providing the geriatric client with an optimally configured lightweight manual wheelchair, rather than a basic non-adjustable manual wheelchair, can lead to a better quantity and quality of life.

Speakers

Bianca Brady

Bianca Brady

Head of Clinical Education, OT APEX Mobility
Lauren Kerr

Lauren Kerr

Director of Clinical Services Linds Rehabilitation Equipment