A Glimpse Into The Secrets Of How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those with limitations in their walking. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to teach you how to use it.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many people to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. To achieve this, there are several ways to go about it. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
wheelchairs self propelled could require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap can aid the wheelchair user in staying straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is important that if the chair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on their sides. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would think. It could cause an increase in control or injuries. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you might think about adding extra padding to 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 want to do this on your own, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and position the front tires just prior 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 get in the way of other people. You will gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. You can avoid this by being aware of people in the vicinity when you are on the slope. Also, you should have an adult or caregiver available to assist you in case you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure that 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 braking is not done in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is in the proper position, with the ideal being at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body's weight is on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide included with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep gradients. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever you are able to. This will minimize the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It increases the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side 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 leaving the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
On smooth, level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand in order to avoid injuries and could cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning forward and backward to different degrees to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user must look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on an inclined slope, it must be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion isn't mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push a person in wheelchair against their will, so the user of the wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.