How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those with limitations in walking. It is important that you know how to use your wheelchair and let an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able to span the rims, and also have the strength to push it forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user and those surrounding them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable when seated in the chair. To accomplish this, there are a few ways to go about it. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and swing them around until they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed 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 can put pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests, they are in the correct position so that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable level.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some instances, the skin can become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for a long period of time. This can cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted to them. lightweight self propelling wheelchair My Mobility Scooters can travel on many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure 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 use. You might also find it beneficial to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can result in an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you might be thinking about adding extra padding to the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you want to try this on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and might hit other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of the people who are around you on the slope. Also, you should have someone with you to assist you in case you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use 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 could be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is in the right position, with the ideal being at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
Always read the user's guide included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to climb steep slopes. In this instance, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb with greater speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example will determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as fast.
On smooth, level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of the hand in order to avoid injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be ready to help when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto 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 make turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.