How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
you could try this out are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are several ways to ensure this. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put 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. The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a specialist in mobility.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests, they are in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves independently and without the need of someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted on them. They can travel across a variety of surfaces, without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Overly pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could cause the loss of control and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
If you are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's 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 cross paths with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and might hit other people. To avoid this make sure you are aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is in the right position, usually at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and allows you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. 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 must be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.