How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those who have limited walking ability. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair and let an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Wheelies are a popular technique to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are many things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed 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). If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. all terrain self propelled wheelchair mymobilityscooters can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the armrest's back to raise them up 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. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for a long time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted to them. This allows them to move over a wide variety of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with 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 any debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It could also lead to an increase in control or injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you'd like to do this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't run into other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with someone else. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. 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 applied in a controlled manner.
Always make sure your hand is in the right position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 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 to keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder 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 will allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping backwards.
Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can travel. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to getting out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for controlling and steering. This can be done in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand in order to avoid injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when they need to. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them down.