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Age and Ageing Advance Access originally published online on March 24, 2007
Age and Ageing 2007 36(4):431-435; doi:10.1093/ageing/afm034
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Copyright © The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society.

Older adults' use of, and satisfaction with, electric powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs

Subhadra Evans1, Andrew O. Frank2,, Claudius Neophytou1 and Lorraine de Souza1

1 School of Health and Social Care, Mary Seacole Building, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK
2 Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Stanmore Specialist Wheelchair Service, RNOH, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK

Address correspondence to: A. O. Frank. Email: andrew.frank1{at}btinternet.com

Background: research documenting the experiences of electric powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair (EPIOC) users has generally failed to take into account the specific needs and concerns of older adults. This study sought to qualitatively examine the older EPIOC users' satisfaction with the chair and service providers.

Method: eight women and nine men aged between 60 and 81 (mean 69) years were recruited through a specialist wheelchair service database. All had severe mobility disabilities. Analysis was performed using a qualitative frameork approac.

Results: participants reported a variety of EPIOC uses, including shopping and some social contact. Moderate satisfaction with the chair was reported. Use was compromised by indoor and outdoor environmental barriers; and the chair not meeting users' needs. Accidents were rare, but many users still experienced insecurity in the chair. High levels of satisfaction with the service were reported, although concern was expressed over length of waiting times.

Conclusions: EPIOCs proved useful to most older people with disabilities. However, even those who were satisfied reported only moderate use of the chair outdoors. Limited use related to an infrequent need for outings, outdoor barriers, feelings of insecurity over chair safety and lengthy waiting times for chair delivery and required modifications. Service providers should be aware that older EPIOC users may require extra support and the provision of timely adjustments to increase chair use.

Keywords: powered wheelchairs, assistive technology, older adults, satisfaction, physical disability, elderly

Received 13 September 2006; accepted in revised form 14 February 2007.


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