How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for people with limited walking abilities. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are many things to do to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around so they are facing the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure under their feet.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial to ensure they are in the right position and that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. For this purpose, it is best to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable position.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time. It can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and push handles that are fitted to their sides. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You might also find it helpful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you would think. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you might be thinking about adding additional padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to try this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is get more info important that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and may collide with other people. You can avoid this by being aware of people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, you should have someone with you to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that more info the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly crucial lightweight self folding mobility scooters when the chair is on a slope as the center of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is in the correct position, ideally at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right click here so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Refer to the user's manual that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be dismounted temporarily and operated by 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 steps in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber get more info option available on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, prepare 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, depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes a turn. It is advised that the wheelchair user try leaning back and forward to different degrees in order to find an optimum balance between lean and control.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. The user of the wheelchair should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.