How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for people with limited walking abilities. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to get a therapist or occupational therapist to teach you how to use it.

Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel forward.

Seating Position

As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those around them.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. To achieve this, there are a few options you can take. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the latch on the footrest and then move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure under their feet.

The footrest's height could require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort.

A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.

It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable height.

It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation may occur after sitting in a single position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and eliminate the need for another person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to them. This lets them travel over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.

As you move forwards with your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and decrease 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 the position of your hands and increase the force you use.

Keep the front casters free of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This material could make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It can also lead to an increase in control or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding on the front casters.

When climbing an unassuming step or a curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to do this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just before the edge.

It is crucial to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will stop you from running into other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with someone else. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people who are around you on an upslope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is particularly important when the chair is on a slope as the center of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.

When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is in the right position, usually at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to sit in your check here chair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.

Always read the user's guide included with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for help and follow the directions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor get more info and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids before safely exiting 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 the additions like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their here structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift.

On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands more info to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be ready to help when they need to. If the wheelchair is going to be used on a slope, it should be pushed or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience in this.

To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the chair here could fall over if not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them inwards.