How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to move your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area.
Wheelies are a popular technique for moving the wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to reach the rims and also have the strength to push it forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are many things you can do. First, ensure that self propelled wheelchair uk are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them round so that they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have 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 comes with 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 best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to the desired height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters can develop when being in one position for long periods of time. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted to them. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair, and could lead to a loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.
If you are 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'd like to accomplish this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and place the front wheels near the curb's edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is crucial to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could collide with other people. You can avoid this by being aware of the people around you while on a slope. Also, have someone with you to help you if 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 manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is in the correct position, ideally at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body's weight is over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair left, allowing you to stay seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide included with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some instances, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek assistance from an individual or a relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and safely exit the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims, as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people, and when they travel with an adult, they should ensure that they are ready to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on a slope, it should be driven or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The user of the wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push someone in wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.