How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to people with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it.
Wheelies are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. easy self-propelled wheelchair requires the client to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person who is using the wheelchair as well as the people who are around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To achieve this, there are several things you can do. First, make sure the footplates are in the right position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around so they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is essential that if the chair has armrests that they are in a good position so that the user of the wheelchair doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and put on the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable position.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some cases the skin may be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can cause the loss of control and/or potential injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely 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 you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to try this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and position the front tires close to the edge.
It is essential to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. You will gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of those around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in the event you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This 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 performed in a controlled way.
Always make sure 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 near 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to sit in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can travel. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended to seek assistance from an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature which can aid in this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids before leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as swift.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable, and the chair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user, making turning much easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person who is in a wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.