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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those with limitations in walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and others around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Release the latch on the footrest and move the footrests to place them directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high.
A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in a good position so that the user of the wheelchair doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing away armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable level.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some cases, skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for a long period of time. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need for someone to push them. how to use a self propelled wheelchair are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. This material can make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It could cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If the height of your seat to floor is extremely high, you may think about adding extra padding to the front casters.
When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
It is essential to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will keep you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. You can avoid this by being aware of people who are around you on an upslope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the proper position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce 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 that can help with this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. It is important that the user of the wheelchair look over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, if they are travelling with an adult, they should make sure that they are ready to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user is familiar in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push someone in wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.