How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limitations in their walking. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help guide you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large hands in order to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or retaining it. It also lowers the risk of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is important that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are several ways to ensure this. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure on their feet.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential that they are in the proper position so that the user of the wheelchair can propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for a long period of time. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you expect. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you may want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to do this independently, you will require more instruction and practice click here under the supervision of medical professionals. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just get more info prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't run into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might be struck by other people. To prevent this from happening, try to be aware of people around you when you click here are on a slope. Also, have a caregiver or a friend waiting to catch 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 specific way. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand here rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. If this is the case it is advised to seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by increasing the climbing capability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids prior to getting out of the chair.
Steering
If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling. There are many ways to accomplish this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not be as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand in order to avoid injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may fall over if not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help ease the pressure on more info the user, and also make turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained people are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.