How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique known as "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able to reach the rims and also have the strength to push it forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those around them.
It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release Full Statement and move the footrests to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It could be necessary to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have weak neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is crucial that they are in the right position so that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher chance 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 irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move themselves independently and without the need for someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Overly pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce how much force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as rocks or sticks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It could cause a loss in control and/or injuries. If the height of your seat to floor is extremely high, you may think about adding extra padding on 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 are planning to do this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and position the front tires close to the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and could hit other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people around you while on the slope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially 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 manner.
Always make sure your hand is in the proper position when pushing a 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 majority of the body weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide provided with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be dismounted temporarily and operated by hand to overcome steep slopes. In this situation, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres and allow you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of your hand in order to avoid injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. The user of the wheelchair should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair is to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user, making turning much easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them inwards.