How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large hands in order to span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also lowers the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user and those around them.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Release the latch on the footrest and swing the footrests around to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is pressure on their feet.
It is possible to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain when they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important to ensure they are in the right position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting their arms when they move. It is best to use the wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters can develop when sitting in a single position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move themselves and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can travel across various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Overly pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You may also find it beneficial to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you expect. It can cause an increase in control or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding for the front casters.
When going up lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair unassuming step or a curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you want to try this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
investigate this site is crucial to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will stop you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and could be struck by other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on the slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that your hand is in the proper position, ideally at ten clock (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, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated by hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It boosts the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are a variety of 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 of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it won't be nearly as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, when they travel with an adult, they should make sure that they are able to assist when required. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning easier. what is the lightest self propelled wheelchair is crucial to be aware that untrained people tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them back.