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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help guide you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands large enough to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury to the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
It is important that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are many options you can take. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort.
A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial to ensure they are in the proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to choose an armrest that is removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances skin irritation and blisters can develop when sitting in a single position for a long time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on their sides. They can be used on various surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will help improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. This material can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you would expect. It could cause an impairment in control and/or injuries. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or an easy step. If you are planning to do this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and place the front tires close to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can avoid this by being aware of people around you while on a slope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled way.
Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, all terrain self propelled wheelchair uk should place it at 10 hours (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 over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.
Always consult the user guide included with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this instance, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are numerous ways to do this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it isn't as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards 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 must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a 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 hand forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth flat ground before attempting it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and make turning a lot easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.