How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to people with limitations in walking. It is important to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others who are around them.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable in the chair. To accomplish this, there are a few things you can do. First, the footplates need to be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests that they are placed in a good position so that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to the desired height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and can cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and push handles that are fitted to them. This enables them to travel over a wide variety of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and could result in the loss of control or even injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
If lightweight folding self propelled wheelchair are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and place the front tires close to the edge.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with someone else. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people who are around you on a slope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is especially important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some instances the wheelchair may need to be removed temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. In this instance, it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair 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 stop, and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backwards to different degrees in order to find an optimal balance between lean and control.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, when they travel with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are able to help when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could fall over if not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.