How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help teach you how to use it.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel 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 regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and those around them.
It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are several ways to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests that they are in a good position so that the user of the wheelchair isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use an armrest that is removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable position.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time and can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can use.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as rocks or sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It could cause an increase in control or injuries. If the seat-to-floor distance 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 you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you are planning to do this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is crucial to place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.
It is important to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will keep you from running into other people. You will gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with another person. To prevent this from happening, try to be aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope and have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is especially important when the chair is on a slope as the center of gravity can move forward if brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that your hand is in the proper position, usually at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two 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 maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
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 and allow you to remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always consult the user guide provided with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. In this instance it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member for help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. self propelled wheelchair with power assist must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim 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 wheelchair could slide over if not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of the wheelchair must ensure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.