How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help guide you in this area.
Wheelies are a common method for moving in a wheelchair. The client must have large hands in order to span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not depend on others. This is the primary factor that helps many who want to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury for the wheelchair user as well as the people who are around them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are many things to do to make sure this is the case. First, make sure the footplates are in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure beneath their feet.
The footrest height may need 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 seat bones and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a mobility expert.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to use the wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to the desired height.
It is also essential 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. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some cases, the skin can become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time. This can cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move themselves independently and 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 as well as pushing handles that are fitted to their sides. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
As wheelchair self propelled folding move forwards with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You might also find it beneficial to wear a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair, and could result in the loss of control or even injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you go up a curb or just a tiny step. If you'd like to accomplish this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and place the front tires close to the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear area ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. You will gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can avoid this by staying aware of the people around you while on an upslope. Also, have someone with you to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that lightweight folding self propelled wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly crucial when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
Always ensure that your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always consult the user guide included with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you ask a family member or family member to help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and leave the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be done in various ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they won't be nearly as fast.
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 evenly with each hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand in order to avoid injuries and could cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on a slope, it should be driven or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the chair could tip over if it is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can take some of the pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, so the wheelchair user must ensure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.