The People Closest To How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair Have Big Secrets To Share
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those with limitations in their walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are a variety of things to do to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests so they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
The height of the footrest may require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a mobility expert.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial to ensure they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to the desired height.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time. This can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for someone else to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you are able to apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. This material could make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injuries. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you might want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.
When climbing a small step or curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you are planning to do this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with another person. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of those around you when you are on a slope and have a caregiver or a friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 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 over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In self propelled wheelchair with suspension , the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek assistance from an individual or a relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity 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 or prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance will determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of your hand, as this can cause injuries and could lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is also advised that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning forward and backward to different extents to find the optimal balance between lean and control.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user is familiar in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The user of the wheelchair must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily fall over if the motion isn't mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.