How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Wheelies are a very popular method to move in a wheelchair. The client must have large hands in order to reach the rims and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair as well as the people who are around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are several ways to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user of a wheelchair upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial to ensure that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to choose a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable level.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to the wheels. They can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you can use. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip material built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It could cause an impairment in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.
When going up a curb or small step it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you are planning to do this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is crucial to place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with someone else. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people in the vicinity when you are on the slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always refer to the user guide included with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be removed temporarily and operated by hand to overcome steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of your hand as this could cause injuries and could lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair test leaning forward and backwards to different levels to determine an optimal balance between leaning and control.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, if wheelchairs self propelled are travelling with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are able to assist when required. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of the wheelchair should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning a lot easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.