The Hidden Secrets Of How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limitations in their walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to reach the rims and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the primary factor that helps many people to regain their independence or retaining it. It also lowers the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user as well as the people around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To achieve this, there are several ways to go about it. First, the footplates need to be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests to make sure they are facing 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.
The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain when they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is important that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting their arms as they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to an appropriate height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is important, especially for those who are at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in a single position for a long time. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to their sides. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is crucial to keep the front casters clear of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair, and could cause an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you may want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.
If you are climbing an unassuming step or a curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and position the front tires just before the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. You will gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with someone else. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled manner.
Always make sure My Mobility Scooters is in the right position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair right and allow you to remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated manually to climb steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek the assistance of an individual or a relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids prior to leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and accessories like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and could lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them back.