How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to span the rims, and also have the strength to push it forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is essential that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are several ways to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It could be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they can put pressure on the bones of the seat and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important to ensure they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms while they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. This can also cause blisters. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.
It is important to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would think. It could cause an increase in control or injuries. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some additional padding for the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. You will gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people around you while on a slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is particularly important when the chair is placed on a slope as the center of gravity could move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards.
Always consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some instances, the wheelchair may website have to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to climb steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to getting out more info of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one 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 phone wheelchairs self propelled and drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and lead website to over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are able to assist when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn to turn, the user read more pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. The user of a wheelchair must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair could easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them back.