How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for people with limited walking ability. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands large enough to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also lowers the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user as well as the people around them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are many ways to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can be irritated and rough due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. It can cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for someone else to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to their sides. They can be used on many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it useful to wear a handrim protector 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 clear of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you think. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding to the front casters.
When climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is crucial that you place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
It is crucial to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will stop you from crashing into other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You may also collide with someone else. To avoid this take care to be aware of those around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the correct position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping backwards.
Always consult the user guide included 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 get over steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb with greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on check here the motor. what is self propelled wheelchair The wheelchair will then stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids and exit the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible more info for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as swift.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning back and forward to different extents to determine an optimal balance between leaning and control.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead here for more challenging terrain. It is important that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able to assist when required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help ease the burden on the user and check here also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.