How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it.
Wheelies are a popular technique to move the wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To achieve this, there are several options you can take. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user of a wheelchair upright particularly for those with weakness of the neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in the right position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms as they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable position.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters can occur when being in one position for long periods of time. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for a person to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Too much pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is important to keep the front casters free of debris such as sticks and rocks. This material can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you expect. It could also lead to an impairment in control and/or injuries. If the height of your seat to floor is extremely high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
When climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge.
It is important to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend prepared to help you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly crucial when the chair is on a slope as the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled way.
Always ensure that your hand is in the correct position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 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 integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.
Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can travel. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended that you seek the assistance of someone you know or a family member and follow the procedure outlined 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 reduce the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any add-ons like armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. www.mymobilityscooters.uk should not be wrapped around the rims of your hand as this could cause injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is advised that the wheelchair user try leaning back and forward to different levels to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are able to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.