How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limitations in their walking. It is essential to know how to use your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the primary factor that helps many people to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the wheelchair user and those around them.
It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To ensure ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair mymobilityscooters , there are several options you can take. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure on their feet.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is important that they are in a proper position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms while they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable position.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. This may also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, 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. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. A lot of pressure can cause your hands tighten and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be helpful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip material built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it can make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could cause a loss of control and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters.
When climbing a small step or curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. When doing this, it is important to place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
It is essential to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will stop you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and might hit other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of the people around you while on an upslope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay seated. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always consult the user guide provided with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this situation, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain 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 hand rims as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns around. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning forward and backwards to different extents to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are ready to assist when required. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily slide over if the technique isn't mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.