Buying a Wheelchair for Elderly Parents in Australia (2026 Guide)

Your Parent Needs a Wheelchair. Now What?

If you are reading this, chances are your mum or dad has reached a point where walking is becoming unsafe or exhausting, and you're starting to look at wheelchairs. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and funding a wheelchair for an elderly parent in Australia.

Funding Options for Elderly Australians

How you fund the wheelchair depends on your parent's situation:

NDIS (Under 65 at Time of Application)

If your parent received NDIS funding before turning 65, they keep it. NDIS covers wheelchairs under Assistive Technology. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can buy from any supplier. Read our full guide: Everything NDIS Covers for Mobility Equipment

My Aged Care / Home Care Package

For Australians over 65, the My Aged Care system provides funding through Home Care Packages (HCPs). HCPs are tiered (Level 1-4), with higher levels providing more funding. A Level 2 package ($18,000/year) can often cover a wheelchair. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs)

If your parent is a veteran with a Gold or White Card, DVA can fund mobility equipment through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). This covers wheelchairs and accessories. Contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). More detail: Over 65? Your Wheelchair Funding Options

State Government Programs

Each state has aids and equipment programs:

  • NSW: Enable NSW
  • VIC: Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VAEP)
  • QLD: Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)
  • SA: SA Equipment Program
  • WA: WA Community Aids and Equipment Program

Private Purchase

If none of the above apply, you can buy a lightweight wheelchair directly. At Mobility Concierge, lightweight wheelchairs start from under $400.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair for Your Parent

Transit vs Self-Propelled

The key question: will your parent push themselves, or will someone always be there to push?

  • Transit wheelchair: smaller wheels, lighter, must be pushed by someone else. Suits outings, appointmentsand shopping trips where a carer is present.
  • Self-propelled wheelchair: large rear wheels the user can push. Suits use around the home and community without a pusher. See our Deluxe Lightweight Aluminium Wheelchair.

Weight Capacity

Standard wheelchairs support up to 100-120kg. If your parent is heavier, look at our Heavy Duty Steel Wheelchair range which supports higher weight capacities.

Comfort Features

For elderly users, prioritise:

  • Padded armrests (reduces pressure on elbows)
  • Swing-away footrests (easier transfers in and out)
  • A seat cushion for comfort during extended sitting
  • Foldable frame (for car transport)

Getting Your Parent Assessed

An Occupational Therapist can assess your parent's specific needs and recommend the right chair. This is especially important if your parent has complex needs such as poor sitting balance, skin concerns, or significant size considerations. An OT assessment also strengthens any funding application.

Practical Tips from Families

  1. Involve your parent in the decision. They are more likely to use a wheelchair they helped choose.
  2. Consider where it will be used most. Indoor-only needs differ from outdoor and community use.
  3. Measure doorways at home. Standard wheelchair width plus 15-20cm total. Narrow hallways may need a compact model.
  4. Start with a manual chair. Many elderly users do well with a lightweight manual chair and a willing pusher.
  5. Add a cushion. Factory seats are basic, and a $50–100 seat cushion adds comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Australia?

Medicare itself does not cover wheelchairs. Funding comes through the NDIS (under 65), My Aged Care Home Care Packages (over 65), DVA (veterans), or state government programs.

How much does a wheelchair cost in Australia?

Basic manual wheelchairs start from around $300–400, and lightweight aluminium chairs are around $400–900. Our wheelchairs start from $234.99, and shipping is free on orders of $500 or more ( $14. 95 under $500).

Can I claim a wheelchair on private health insurance?

Some private health funds cover mobility aids under their extras cover. Check with your fund, as coverage varies significantly between policies and is often capped at a few hundred dollars.

How do I get a free wheelchair for my parent?

Through government funding programs. NDIS, My Aged Care HCPs, DVA, and state equipment programs can all fund wheelchairs at no cost to the participant if they are eligible. We wrote a full guide: How to Get a Free Wheelchair in Australia

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