How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it.
Wheelies are a very popular method for moving a wheelchair. The client must have large hands to be able 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 allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury to the wheelchair user as well as the people surrounding them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable in the chair. There are a variety of things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain when they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in a good position so that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In certain instances, the skin can be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. It can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the chair should be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are more maneuverable due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, such as rocks or sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could result in the loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to do this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.
It is essential to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with someone else. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people who are around you on an upslope. Also, have someone with you to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled way.
Always ensure that your hand is in the correct position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body's weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest 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 turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide provided with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. In this instance it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick inward towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids before safely exiting the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are numerous 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 vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance will determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters let a chair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not mastered. If mymobilityscooters is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning a lot easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them down.