How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is essential to know how to use your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. To achieve this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure beneath their feet.
It is possible to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial that they are in the right position and that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms while they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases skin irritation and blisters can develop when sitting in a single position for a long period of time. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and push handles that are fitted to them. They can be used across many surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
As you move forwards with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.
Keep the front casters free of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you might be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or just a tiny step. If you want to do this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place 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 stop you from running into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and may hit other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people around you while on a slope. Also, have someone with you to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way.
Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping backwards.
Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be removed temporarily and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It improves the wheelchair's climbing ability by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before safely getting out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are many ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a get more info drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will manage. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, website but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast.
The user of website a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and lead to over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user here should anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with an adult, they should make sure that they are prepared to assist if needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily slide over if the technique is get more info not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of the wheelchair must ensure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.