Why You'll Need To Read More About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and to 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". This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable in the chair. There are many things that can be done to ensure this. First, make sure the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they can put pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility expert and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is important that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair does not strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some instances skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and push handles that are fitted to their sides. They can travel across various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
As you move forwards with your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Overly pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs 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 free of debris, like sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would expect. It could also lead to an impairment in control and/or injuries. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.
When going up a small step or curb it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill, it is essential to have a clear area ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and might collide with other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people who are around you on the slope. Also, have someone with you to help you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the right position, ideally at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (2:00). My Mobility Scooters will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and allows you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping forwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the highest level of safety your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek assistance from an individual or a relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair 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 make walking aids before leaving the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are many ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it won't be nearly 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 them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backwards to different extents to determine an optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. 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 ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is crucial to be aware that strangers who are not trained are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.