What to look for in wheelchairs for MSA?

You'll want to work with an OT that can measure your wife and have the chair fitted to her.
Because my mom was at home when I got her wheelchair we needed to ensure it was narrow enough to fit through doorways - bigger isn't always better.

I chose a common tilt in place chair that mom was able to sit in comfortably right until the end, the back, seat, and headrest were all customizable. She could still walk a little and transfer so we made sure it was low enough so that she could sit and stand comfortably when the foot rests were removed.

As she got frailer I had to buy a different seat (a ROHO) because she developed pressure ulcer on her backside, if I had known I would have made sure we had that in the first place and saved her some money. Ask your OT to look ahead.

The average wheelchair is 18 in wide. So, if the person tended to be big, you may need a wider one. You have ones with the Big wheel with small in the front and then u have transporters that have 4 small wheels. The big wheels are fine if the person is capable of using them, if not a transporter may be better. I would recommend one where at least one side can be moved up out of the way for easy transporting to a chair.

The wheelchairs purchased thru Medicare tend to be heavy and hard to get into a car. There are lightweight ones that can be bought thru some pharmacies. These are not good for heavy people but nice for others. Easier to get in out. Prices vary but if u hit a sale, you can get one for about 100. This tend to be good just to transport but not to sit in all day.

There are some where the handles slip out and the back folds down. Make sure the feet can come off. Helps with getting in a car.

I have none for the wheelchair but I would be sure to check with her insurance to find out what they cover and how much they will pay. Some have limits and knowing how much they will pay can be beneficial in deciding.

I am sorry that your family is going through this. Her attitude will play a huge factor in progression, so help her stay positive and believing.

I use transport chairs in and out of the house. We have a permobil power chair but my husband isn't using it as much as he has more trouble with the joystick. If your wife has orthostatic hypotension you should consider a chair that can recline flat and raise the feet.