How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.
Wheelies are a common method for moving in a wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own 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 the wheelchair user as well as those who are around them.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable in the chair. There are a variety of things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the spine and cause pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the wheelchair user upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is crucial to ensure they are in the right position and that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with 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 essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and can also cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel over a wide variety of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using self control wheelchair My Mobility Scooters could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of debris such as sticks and rocks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could result in the loss of control and/or potential injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you want to try this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and set the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and may be struck by other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people in the vicinity when you are on the slope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular 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 could be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled manner.
Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder 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 causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to sit in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek the assistance of someone you know or a family member and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the capacity of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before safely leaving the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. This can be done in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if they need to. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the wheelchair user must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.