How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Wheelies are a common method for moving the wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those surrounding them.
It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are a variety of ways to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure under their feet.
The height of the footrest may require to be reduced, particularly for those 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 pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use an armrest that is swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable position.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves independently and without the need for someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Too much pressure can cause your hands cramp and reduce how much force you can apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. This material could make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you think. It could also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you want to do this independently, you will require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. When doing this, it is crucial to place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with another person. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of people around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. discover this info here is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to climb steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but it will not be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand, as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is also advised that the wheelchair user try leaning back and forward to different extents in order to find an optimal balance between leaning and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be ready to help when they need to. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. The user of the wheelchair should practice this on a smooth flat ground before attempting it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained people tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them inwards.