15 Things You Didn't Know About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled WheelchairWheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands large enough to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not depend on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others who are around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. To ensure this, there are several options you can take. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that they are at the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure under their feet.
It may be necessary to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is essential that if the chair has armrests that they are in a good position so that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. For this purpose, it is best to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for long periods of time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and become independent from the need for someone else to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on them. This lets them travel across a range of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Applying too much pressure can 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 materials built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters free of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would expect. It could also lead to an increase in control or injuries. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or just a tiny 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 essential that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and position the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
It is crucial to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will prevent you from colliding with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and may hit other people. To avoid this make sure you are aware of people in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is placed on a slope as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner.
Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 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 to maintain the integrity of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay in a seated position. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek assistance from an individual or a relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature which can aid in this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the more info user is accountable for steering and controlling. There are many ways to accomplish this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it will not be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims as this could cause injury and can result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backwards to different levels to determine an optimum balance between lean and control.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user must be aware websiteread more of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but website untrained strangers often more info try to push someone in wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user must ensure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.