How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for people with limited walking abilities. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair and let an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.
Many people move their wheelchair by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. To accomplish this, there are many options you can take. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around to place them directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure under their feet.
The footrest height may need 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 spine and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial to ensure they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. For this purpose, it is best to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and put on the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable position.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across various surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Overly pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you are able to apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands 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 difficult to move your wheelchair as you think. It can cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it could be useful to get some extra padding for the front casters.
When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. You will gain click here speed quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have click here a caregiver or a friend waiting to catch you in the event that you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on a slope as the center of gravity could move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the proper position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always consult the user guide provided with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever possible. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids, and then safely leave the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be done in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of get more info a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough here surfaces but the chair will not be as fast.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be pushed or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar in this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface as the check here movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily fall over if the motion isn't mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them back.