My mother has moderate dementia and is using her empty wheelchair as a walker. She stands behind it and pushes it as she "walks" to the dining area. My guess is that she perceives this as easier than using her regular 2-wheel walker. Since no one is sitting in the wheelchair, it tips forward and creates a safety issue. I thought purchasing a 4-wheel walker might be an option, but the clerk at the medical equipment store advised against it because individuals with dementia can't understand how to use the hand break and it can still get away from them (hence, again) a safety issue. Suggestions?
Remove the wheelchair and replace it with a frame walker linked above. This one has 2 front wheels which allow it to glide over most surfaces. These are the safest of the walkers and require no learning curve to operate, no brakes, and won't run away from her. You can also purchase a basket to attach to the front of the walker so mom can schlep all of stuff along with her when she's out and about:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=frame+walker+basket&crid=33G7XQQTQAUGE&sprefix=frame+walker+basket%2Caps%2C210&ref=nb_sb_noss
Get an appropriate walker for her.
Make sure it is set to the correct height.
I sort of agree about the 4 wheel walker. I se so many people pushing the walker ahead of them and leaning over to "catch up" to it. A 2 wheel walker is less likely to get away from her.
I took care of a relative who was sent home after a stroke and had to use a wheelchair to get around. But the wheelchair didn't fit through the 28" bathroom doors anywhere in the house, and there were four bathrooms! Whoever custom-built that house hadn't ever anticipated being in a wheelchair.
I was able to modify the wheelchair by using wire to pull the sides of it closer together and fasten them. This made the seat curve, but that was solved by putting a cushion on it. Fortunately the person wasn't super-sized and it was comfortable enough. We got through the 28" doors.
Think creatively and see what you can do. Good luck!
(In your situation, I'd just remove the wheelchair and make her use her walker. Doctor's orders.)
Agree that the 2W go be a little slower than the WFs. Can have 2 wheels + 2 skis that slide over carpet. I think indoor use only.
Also agree pushing an empty wheelchair could be a safety concern if balance & mobility are an issue.
https://www.ustep.com/