How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Wheelies are a very popular method for moving a wheelchair. This requires the client to have large hands to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the wheelchair user and others around them.
It is important that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are many ways to go about it. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure beneath 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 spine and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
It is essential that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair does not strike them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time and can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the chair should be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and free themselves from the need for another person 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 the wheels. They can be used across a variety of surfaces, without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair and can result in an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you may want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair lightweight self propelled wheelchair assistance. If you want to do this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. When doing this, it is important to place check here 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 have enough space in the front of you when going up an uphill. This will prevent you from colliding with other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people who are around you on a slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to help you if you begin 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 especially important when the chair is placed on a slope as the center of gravity can move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that your hand is in the proper position, usually at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in 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 also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps as often as you can. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. It increases the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will then come to a halt and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids and safely exit the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done check here in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any check here add-ons like armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs read more are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it won't be nearly as fast.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and could lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if they need to. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.