Ten How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair-Related Stumbling Blocks You Should Not Share On Twitter
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those around them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable in the chair. To accomplish this, there are several options you can take. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the latch on the footrest and then move the footrests to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure under their feet.
It is possible to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a specialist in mobility and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is essential to ensure they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. My Mobility Scooters is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable level.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time and may also cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will 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 can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to put some extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or an easy step. If you'd like to accomplish 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 small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear space ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and might collide with other people. To help you avoid this make sure you are aware of people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that your hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
Always consult the user guide included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek assistance from someone you know or a family member and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps whenever you are able to. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and exit the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable 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 phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters let a chair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims as this could cause injury and can lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is also advised that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backward to different levels to find the optimum balance between lean and control.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are ready to assist when required. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help ease the burden 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 someone in wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.