How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to train you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have large hands to span these rims and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not be dependent on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those who are around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. To achieve this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure under their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is important that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are placed in the correct position so that the user of the wheelchair isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the wheelchair user has 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 the skin may become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. It can cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on them. This allows them to move over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters free of any debris like rocks and sticks. This can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you expect. It can cause an impairment in control and/or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is very high, you may be thinking about adding additional padding to the front casters.
When going up a curb or small step, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You may also collide with another person. To help you avoid this 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 prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is especially important when the chair is placed on a slope as the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn just click the up coming article with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay seated. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended you ask a family member or family member for help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over 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 can be done by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the chair could slide over if not properly mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should make sure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.