How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair and let an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.
Wheelies are a common method for moving the wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence or retaining it. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable in the chair. To ensure this, there are a few things you can do. First, the footplates need to be in the correct place. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to place them directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are in a good position so that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in one position for a long period of time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a range of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you are able to apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material built into the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair, and could result in the loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is extremely high, you might be thinking about adding additional padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing an unassuming step or a curb, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to try this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
It is crucial to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up an uphill. This will stop you from running into other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with another person. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly important when the chair is placed on a slope as the center of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is in the proper position, usually at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and released at two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to sit in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. If his explanation happens, it is advised to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. 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 option that can assist in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.