5 Clarifications On How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those who have limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchair by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have large hands to reach across the rims and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and those surrounding them.
It is important that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are a few options you can take. First, the footplates must be in the correct place. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests so they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure beneath their feet.
It is possible to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can put 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 be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is essential to ensure that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. For this purpose, it is best to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at 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 may occur after being in one position for long periods of time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted to them. narrow self propelled wheelchair uk can travel across a variety of surfaces, without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can lead to an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters.
When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you are planning to do this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and position the front tires just before the edge.
It is crucial to have enough space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will stop you from colliding with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and could hit other people. To prevent this from happening, try to be aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope and have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is especially 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 performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the proper position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always consult the user guide included with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. 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 while negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are prepared to help when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other forwards. The user of the wheelchair should practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will take some of the pressure off the user, making turning much easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.