How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large hands in order to reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are many options you can take. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the spine and cause pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in the right position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms as they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable position.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time. This may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for a person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles that are fitted to the wheels. They can be used across many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be beneficial to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip material built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and can result in an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.
When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to try this on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is important that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb.
It is important to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will prevent you from running into other people. lightweight self folding mobility scooters if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with someone else. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people who are around you on a slope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the correct position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should position 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 to keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allows you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards.
Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by increasing the capacity of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims, as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning back and forward to different extents to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with an adult, they should ensure that they are prepared to help when needed. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other forwards. The user of a wheelchair must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user, and help with turning. It is essential to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.