How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to people with limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also minimises the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are several things you can do. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure on their feet.
It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is essential that they are in the proper position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to use an armrest that is removable or swing-away armrests for this purpose. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to an appropriate height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. This may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be rotated regularly.
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 due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted to their sides. They can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. It may also be useful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like rocks or sticks. This material could make it hard to move your wheelchair as you would think. It can cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If your seat-to-floor height is extremely high, you might be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. When you are doing this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb.
It is important to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up an uphill. This will stop you from colliding with other people. You'll gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also crash with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people who are around you on an upslope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is especially important when the chair is on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the right position, usually at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right and allow you to remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide included with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps whenever possible. This will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any additional features such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns around. ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could tip over if it is not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people tend to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.