How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or retaining it. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those who are around them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are a variety of ways to ensure this. First, make sure the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright particularly for those with weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a specialist in mobility.
It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some instances, the skin can become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on various surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could cause a loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you may think about adding additional padding to the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or a small step. If you'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and position the front tires close to the edge.
It is crucial to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and might collide with other people. To help you avoid this, try to be aware of those around you when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled manner.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority read more (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can travel. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand website to get over steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This will lessen the pressure on the back and read more front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by enhancing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids before safely leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and accessories like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will manage. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not here be as quick.
On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand, as this can cause injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. It is important that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must click here ensure that they are ready to assist when required. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other forwards. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the chair could tip over if it is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is important to be aware that untrained people are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.