Should I start using a wheelchair with my father?

Some further details:

My 86 yo father is mobile, but needs to walk and pause quite often to catch his breath. This is likely due to his anemia.

Our care assistant (c.a.) would like a wheelchair so she can go with him to the local market. I worry, however, that if gets used to the chair - he will just walk less and less.

I also worry the c.a. will then take the easier route of just pushing him in the wheelchair rather than the understandably monotonous slow walks she takes him on daily.

I look at the bigger picture of the more mobile he is, the more able he is able to self-dress, use the toilet, etc.

Anybody with transitions & experience in this somewhat "pre-" must-be in wheelchair stage?

Robert I feel for you. About a year ago I tried to get my mom to get a wheelchair. She kept refusing, her pride, however she kept falling more and more. Her legs were just giving out. This was prior to her storke in October last year.

I wish I'd gone ahead and gotten it then because now she absolutely has to have it.

I don't think it will make him walk less because they sometimes want to do things more once they get that wheelchair. Somehow I think the wheelchair is kind of demeaning to them and they feel they need to conquer it. My mom certainly does.

I will tell you if you decide to get one make sure to have them come out and size him. I got my mom one of those lightweights and it is rather uncomfortable. I had to measure it and get her some pillows to ease her pain after sitting so long.

It's been a god-send though. I had a ramp built in the front and now I can take her on long walks, and in her backyard where her wonderful garden is and that works wonders.

By all means I say get it, and have it there so it's there when you need it.