How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is important that you know how to use your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchair by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands large enough to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence or retaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury for both the wheelchair user as well as the people around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things to do to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that 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 user is hemiplegic. The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to use the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances blisters and skin irritation can occur when sitting in a single position for a long period of time. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and become independent from the need for someone else to push them. They are more maneuverable due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This lets them travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure can cause your hands tighten and reduce the amount of force you can use. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you expect. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is high, you might think about adding extra padding to the front casters.
When climbing 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 want to try this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.
When you're pushing up a hill, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people around you while on the slope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should position 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 over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the strength 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 will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.
Refer to the user's manual that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to remove and mount your vehicle using 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 an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It boosts the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before safely leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it isn't as fast.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able to assist when required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn electric self propelled wheelchair , the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best 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. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of the wheelchair must ensure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.