How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those who are around them.
It is important that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are many things you can do. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around so they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure on their feet.
It could be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the bones of the seat and cause discomfort and pain.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have weak neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility.
It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when 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 attached to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable position.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some cases blisters and skin irritation can develop when being in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on their sides. This lets them travel over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
Be self propelled wheelchair near me not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair and can lead to an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters.
When going up a small step or curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you are planning to do this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you are doing this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and position the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
It is crucial to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might hit other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people who are around you on a slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that your hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, 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 fitted with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and exit the chair.
Steering
If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. It is important that the wheelchair user looks over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be driven or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the chair could slide over if not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of the wheelchair should make sure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.