How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence to those who have limited walking ability. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.
Wheelies are a popular technique to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are several options you can take. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure beneath their feet.
It is possible to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial to ensure that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting their arms as they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the 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 surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on them. They can travel across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it useful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip material built into the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. This material could make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is high, you might think about adding extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or just a tiny step. If you'd like to do this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. When doing this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. You will gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with someone else. To avoid this take care to be aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
power assisted self propelled wheelchair propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is placed on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is placed in the correct position, ideally at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (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 keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide included with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the front and back tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids prior to leaving the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as in size and weight. 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 can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it isn't as fast.
On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand, as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is also advised that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backwards to different degrees in order to find an optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user must look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver should 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 opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could fall over if not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.