How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The user must have big hands to be able to reach the rims 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 be dependent on others. This is the key for many who want to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are many options you can take. First, the footplates need to be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility expert and can be used on wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
If all terrain self propelled wheelchair uk has armrests it is essential that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. This can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or an easy step. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is crucial that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and then place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
It is important to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will stop you from colliding with other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. You can avoid this by being aware of people around you while on the slope. Also, you should have someone with you to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted 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 is able to traverse. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. In this situation, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps whenever you are able to. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It boosts the ability of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a halt and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair experiment with leaning back and forward to different levels to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are ready to help when needed. 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 to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained people tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.