How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Wheelies are a popular technique to move a wheelchair. This requires the user to have large hands to reach across the rims and have strong grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are a few things you can do. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around to place them in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is pressure beneath their feet.
The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is important that they are in a proper position so that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some cases blisters and skin irritation can occur when sitting in a single position for a long time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and push handles that are fitted to the wheels. They can travel across various surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you are able to apply. It may also be helpful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you expect. It could cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some additional padding for the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you are planning to do this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and position the front tires just before the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could hit other people. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer waiting 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 specific way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps keep the integrity 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 rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can travel. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. If this happens, it is advised to seek help from a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. self control wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids prior to leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to be able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
On smooth and level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user must look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user and 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 inwards.