How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those who have limitations in their walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Wheelies are a common method to move in a wheelchair. The client must have large hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury for the wheelchair user and those surrounding them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are a variety of things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure beneath their feet.
It could be necessary to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests can put the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is important to ensure they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to an appropriate height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in one position for long periods of time. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to their sides. This lets them travel over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Overly pressure can cause your hands cramp and reduce how much force you can use. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will help improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could lead to a loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding to the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you go up a curb or an easy step. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of medical professionals. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and position the front tires close to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and may collide with other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of people in the vicinity when you are on the slope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to catch you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity can be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being 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, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping forwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek assistance from someone you know or a family member and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature that can assist in this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for controlling and steering. This can be accomplished in various ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims 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 around. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. www.mymobilityscooters.uk should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.