Ten How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchairs That Really Change Your Life

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The user must have big hands in order to span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are a variety of things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, make sure the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and there is enough pressure under their feet.
The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial to ensure that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. To ensure this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In narrow self propelled wheelchair uk , skin irritation and blisters may occur after being in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and eliminate the need for a third party to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You might also find it beneficial to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of any debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could cause a loss of control and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.
When climbing electric self propelled wheelchair or curb, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to do this yourself, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and could hit other people. To help you avoid this make sure you are aware of people around you when you are on a slope and have a caregiver or a friend ready to catch you in the event that you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
electric self propelled wheelchair -propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is placed in the right position, with the ideal being at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always refer to the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can assist in this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely leaving the chair.
Steering
If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and accessories like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. 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 allow a wheelchair to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as quick.
On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is also advised that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backward to different levels to find the optimum balance between lean and control.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user must be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on a slope, it should be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. The user of the wheelchair must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.