How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. This is the primary factor that helps many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also lowers the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user and those surrounding them.
It is essential that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are many things that can be done to ensure this. First, the footplates must be in the correct place. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The height of the footrest may require 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 could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial to ensure that they are in a proper position and that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to choose a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable level.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for long periods of time. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to them. This lets them travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Too much pressure can cause your hands cramp and reduce how much force you are able to apply. wheelchairs self propelled could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material 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 any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could lead to an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If the height of your seat to floor is extremely high, you might be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
When climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and could be struck by other people. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on a slope as the center of gravity can be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. In this case, 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 when negotiating kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop which allows you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters let a chair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections when the chair makes in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are able to help when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair might easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.