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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for people with limited walking ability. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.
Wheelies are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. The user must have big hands in order to span the rims, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. This is the key for many people to regain their independence or retaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and those who are around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To ensure this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
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). If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the wheelchair user upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a mobility expert.
It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are placed in a good position so that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and put on the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable level.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time and can also cause blisters. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted to the wheels. This lets them travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it beneficial to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can 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 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 the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.
If self propelled all terrain wheelchair My Mobility Scooters are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to do this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You may also collide with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people around you while on a slope. Also, have someone with you to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly crucial when the chair is on a slope, as the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is placed in the correct position, with the ideal being at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. In this instance, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
If you are 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's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair test leaning forward and backward to different degrees to determine an optimal balance between leaning and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is important that the wheelchair user looks over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, when they travel with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able to help when needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may fall over if not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.