The Unspoken Secrets Of How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those with limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to train you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. This is the primary factor that helps many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and others around them.
It is important that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many ways to ensure this. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure under 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 put the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. lightweight self propelled wheelchairs My Mobility Scooters can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use the wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation can develop when sitting in a single position for long periods of time. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned regularly.
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 due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This lets them travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
As you move forwards with your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can apply.
It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris like sticks and rocks. This can make it difficult to move 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 could be useful to get some extra padding for the front casters.
If you are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is important that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels near the curb's edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial 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'll increase speed quickly and could be struck by other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people who are around you on an upslope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly crucial when the chair is on a slope, as the centre of gravity can move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is in the right position, with the ideal being at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 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 or make walking aids before exiting the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. 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 a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and lead to 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 difficult terrain wheelchair users should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should 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 they need to. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat 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 reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair must ensure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.