How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to people with limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
how to use a self propelled wheelchair are a very popular method to move the wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and others around them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable when seated in the chair. To accomplish this, there are a few things you can do. First, the footplates should be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
It is essential that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time and may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move themselves independently and without the need of someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted to their sides. This lets them travel over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
As you move forwards with your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. It may also be helpful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters free of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
When going up a small step or curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is essential to place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and place the front wheels near the edge of the curb.
It is essential to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will keep you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly if you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with someone else. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, have someone with you to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when the chair is on a slope as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.
Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, you 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 weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely leave the chair.
Steering
When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick.
On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the burden on the user and make turning easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.
