15 Things You've Never Known About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it.
Wheelies are a popular technique to move the wheelchair. This requires the client 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 around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury to the wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is enough pressure under their feet.
The footrest height may need lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are too high they can cause increased pressure on the spine and cause discomfort and pain.
A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a mobility expert.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially for those who are at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases blisters and skin irritation can occur when sitting in one position for long periods of time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance 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 easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. If best self propelled wheelchair are covered with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair, and could lead to a loss of control or even injury. If your seat-to-floor height is extremely high, you might be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When you are doing this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and may collide with other people. To prevent this from happening, try to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in case you start to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the proper position, ideally at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at 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 maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps whenever you are able to. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It boosts the wheelchair's climbing ability by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids prior to getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people, and in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are able to help when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable, and the chair could tip over if it is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the burden on the user and make turning easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.