How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have large hands to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not be dependent on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To accomplish this, there are several things you can do. First, make sure the footplates are in the right position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to place them in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure beneath their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lower, particularly for people 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 in the event that they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that don't include headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important to ensure that they are in the right position and that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting 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 attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation can develop when sitting in one position for a long time. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own 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. They can travel across many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you can use. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could cause a loss of control or even injury. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you might want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you want to do this yourself, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When you do this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and then place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear area ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is especially important when the chair is placed on a slope as the center of gravity could move forward if braking is not done in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is in the right position, usually at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). self propelled wheelchairs for sale ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the instructions 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 with greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely get out of the chair.
Steering
If self propelled wheelchairs for sale are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
On smooth, level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims, as this can cause injury and can lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. It is important that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with an adult, they should ensure that they are able to assist if required. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be pushed or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily fall over if the motion is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.