How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those who have difficulty walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many who want to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and those who are around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. To ensure this, there are several options you can take. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure on their feet.
The height of the footrest may require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and can be used with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure they are in a proper position and that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms as they move. It is best to use a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable position.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. This may also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted to their sides. This lets them travel over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce how much force you can use. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris like sticks and rocks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could lead to an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't run into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and might be struck by other people. To help you avoid this, try to be aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope. used self propelled wheelchair should also have a carer or friend prepared to help you in case you start to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 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 on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Always consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick inward towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and 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 accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users must plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the chair could slide over if not properly mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in wheelchair against their will, which is why the wheelchair user should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.