How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those who have limitations in walking. It is important to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.
Wheelies are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. The client must have large hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are many ways to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates should be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch and then swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap will help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. For self propelled wheelchair with removable arms mymobilityscooters is recommended to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable position.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on their sides. They can travel across a variety of surfaces, without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward with your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it useful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could cause an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or an easy step. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
It is essential to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will keep you from running into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could collide with other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people around you while on the slope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is placed in the correct position, usually at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity 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 to the right and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep gradients. In this situation it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. It increases the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and the additions like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it won't be nearly as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, when they travel with an adult, they should ensure that they are able to help when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.