How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Wheelies are a common method to move in a wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those who are around them.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are many things to do to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure under their feet.
The footrest's height could require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high.
A forehead strap will help the wheelchair user stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is essential to ensure that they are in a proper position and that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances blisters and skin irritation can develop when sitting in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for someone else to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on various surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could lead to the loss of control and/or potential injury. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you might think about adding additional padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb it is recommended you here use a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to do this on your own, you'll 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 close to the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. You will gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the check here user must use the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is in the correct position, usually at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then more info releasing at two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair left, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will minimize the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It increases the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will come to a halt and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids and safely exit the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible click here for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this dependent on the structure of the wheelchair 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 of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand as this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and when they travel with an adult, they should ensure that they are able to assist when required. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of the wheelchair should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces, as the motion may 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, making turning a lot easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push a person in wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down website or cover them with handles covers.