How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limitations in walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Wheelies are a popular technique for moving the wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. This is the primary factor that helps many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are several things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates need to be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch and swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap will help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important that they are in the proper position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms when they move. To ensure this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances, the skin can become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and could result in a loss of control or even injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you climb a steep hill or just a tiny step. If you'd like to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of medical professionals. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and position the front tires just before the edge.
It is crucial to leave enough space in the front of you when going up the hill. This will stop you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. To help you avoid this, try to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a caregiver or a friend waiting to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is placed on a slope, as the centre of gravity can move forward if brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that your hand is in the proper position, ideally at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Refer to the user's manual that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated manually to negotiate steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance 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 whenever you are able to. This will reduce the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres and allow you to traverse the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. self propelled wheelchair with power assist is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees 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 difficult terrain. The user of the wheelchair should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person in wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.