How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to use your wheelchair and let an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able span the rims, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not be dependent on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the wheelchair user and others who are around them.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many ways to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests so they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The height of the footrest may require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are too high they could cause pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. It is recommended to use an armrest that is swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is essential, particularly for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In self propelled wheelchair with elevated leg rest , skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in one position for a long time. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and eliminate the need for a third party to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across a variety of surfaces, without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you would think. It can cause a loss in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you may want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or a small step. If you'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is important that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels near the edge of the curb.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can avoid this by being aware of people who are around you on the slope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the correct position, ideally at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and allows you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for help and follow the directions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. 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 wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are numerous ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is also advised that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backward to different degrees in order to find an optimum balance between lean and control.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able 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.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the chair could slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning a lot easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person who is in a wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.