How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is essential to know 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 in a wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the key for many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as the people around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are a variety of things that can be done to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can put the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain when they are too high.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is essential to ensure they are in the proper position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms while they move. It is best to choose a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for long periods of time. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and eliminate the need for another person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted to their sides. This lets them travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.
As you move forwards with your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. Overly pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You might also find it helpful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you think. It could also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you may be thinking about adding additional padding to the front casters.
When going up a curb or small step it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear space ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. You will gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. lightweight folding self propelled wheelchair could also crash with another person. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a caregiver or a friend prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall out of 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 the chair is on a slope, as the center of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that your hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.
Always consult the user guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps whenever possible. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and safely get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will manage. Small casters let a chair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it won't be nearly as fast.
The user of a wheelchair must use 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. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and could lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users must plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, when they travel with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on the slope, it should be pushed or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.