How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence to those who have limited walking ability. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able span the rims, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair as well as the people surrounding them.
It is essential that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, make sure the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters can develop when sitting in one position for a long time. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to their sides. This allows them to move over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it beneficial to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you would think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to put some 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 for assistance. If you are planning to do this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and set the front tires close to the edge.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and may collide with other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 o'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 over 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, move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay seated. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide provided with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will minimize the pressure read more that is required on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature which can aid in this process. It improves the wheelchair's climbing ability here by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair you need to release the here brakes gently and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and leave the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. There are a variety of ways to do this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
On smooth, level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections as the chair turns in a circle. It is advised that the wheelchair user test leaning back and forward to different extents in order to find an optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user must look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, check here they must be prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily fall over if the motion is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can take some of the pressure off the user and make turning a lot easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person who is in website a wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.