How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique known as "wheelies". The user must have big hands to be able span the rims, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are many ways to go about it. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates, and that there is pressure under their feet.
It could be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user can move without hitting 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. best self-propelled wheelchair can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for a long time. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can travel across many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can lead to an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or an easy step. If you wish to attempt this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and set the front tires close to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial 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'll gain speed very quickly and may hit other people. You can avoid this by being aware of the people who are around you on the slope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure that your hand is in the proper position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever possible. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It improves the wheelchair's climbing ability by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before getting out of 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 accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. It is important that the wheelchair user looks over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people, and in the event that they are traveling with an adult, they should ensure that they are able to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on a slope, it should be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will relieve some pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers can try to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair must ensure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.
