How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able to span the rims, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is essential that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are a variety of ways to ensure this. First, the footplates must be in the correct place. Release the latch on the footrest and then move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates, and that there is pressure on their feet.
It is possible to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the spine and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in the correct position so that the user of the wheelchair does not hit them with their arms when they move. To ensure this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially for those who are at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel across a variety of surfaces, without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease 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 positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can result in an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If mymobilityscooters -to-floor height is high, you may want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.
If you are climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you are planning to do 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) in front of the curb or with small steps and set the front tires close to the edge.
It is important to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will keep you from crashing into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and might be struck by other people. To avoid this, try to be aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope and have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that your hand is in the right position, ideally at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel and released at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps 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 rim. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. It boosts the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and allow you to take off the footrests, put in walking aids and leave the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests or phone/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 can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as quick.
On smooth and level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is important that the wheelchair user looks over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with an adult, they should ensure that they are ready to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the chair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can reduce some of the pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person in wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.