How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Wheelies are a popular technique for moving a wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are many options you can take. First, make sure the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them around until they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure beneath their feet.
best self-propelled wheelchair of the footrest may require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and cause pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility specialist and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is important that they are in the right position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting their arms as they move. To ensure this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable position.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in a single position for a long time. Repositioning the chair regularly will reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris like sticks and rocks. This can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you would think. It could cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you might think about adding extra padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is important to place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb.
It is crucial to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will stop you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could hit other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, you should have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate 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 on a slope as the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.
Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body's weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek the assistance of an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are many ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and accessories like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backward to different levels in order to find an optimum balance between lean and control.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be ready to help when they need to. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be driven or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar in this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.