How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have limitations in their walking. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the wheelchair user as well as the people around them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things to do to make sure this is the case. First, make sure the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is essential that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. For this purpose, it is best to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and put on the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for long periods of time. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted to them. This lets them travel over a wide variety of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.
When you are moving forward on your chair, be careful 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. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like rocks or sticks. This material could make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you expect. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is extremely high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.
When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you are planning to do this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is important that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) here the curb or small step and then place the front wheels near the curb's edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead click here of you, you will gain speed very quickly and may be struck by other people. You can avoid this by being aware of the people around you while on an upslope. Also, have a friend or caregiver ready to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner 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 chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps more info to maintain the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated manually to climb steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use transit wheelchair vs self propelled ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids prior to getting out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it isn't as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of your hand as this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning forward and backwards to different levels in order to find an optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair more info users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people, and when they travel with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can ease the burden on the user and help with turning. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair must ensure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.