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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limitations in their walking. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
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 strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely 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 user of the wheelchair and those around them.
It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are a variety of things that can be done to ensure this. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important to ensure they are in a proper position and that the user of the wheelchair can propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable level.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances, skin irritation and blisters can occur when being in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. self control wheelchair are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted to them. They can be used across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of any debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and can cause the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and place 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 that you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and could hit other people. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of people around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and released at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek help from an individual or a 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 will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids before safely exiting the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are many ways to do this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and accessories like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick.
On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and when they travel with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are ready to assist when required. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push someone in wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.