How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair 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 reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are a variety of things to do to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates should be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and can be used with wheelchairs that don't include headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in the proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. For this purpose, it is best to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some instances the skin may become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles that are fitted to them. They can be used across various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. It may also be useful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters clear of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it can make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair, and could lead to the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be useful to get some extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or just a tiny step. If you wish to attempt this on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels near the edge of the curb.
It is essential to have enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will prevent you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and may be struck by other people. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of people around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer ready to catch you in case you start to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated manually to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek the assistance of an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. mouse click the next article improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backward to different extents to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair looks over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, in the event that they are traveling with an adult, they should make sure that they are ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the chair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.