Ten Common Misconceptions About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair That Aren't Always True
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair and let an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as the people who are around them.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are several options you can take. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure beneath their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lower, particularly for people 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 will help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is crucial to ensure that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In My Mobility Scooters , the skin can be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for a long period of time and may also cause blisters. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and eliminate the need for another person to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. It may also be helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could cause the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding for the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event that you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly crucial when the chair is on a slope as the center of gravity could move forward if braking is not done in a controlled manner.
Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn left with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
Refer to the user's manual that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. In this instance it is recommended you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber feature that can assist in this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and safely get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as size and weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be 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 with a uniform hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, 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 flat ground before attempting it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can reduce some of the pressure off the user, making turning much easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.