How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Wheelies are a popular technique for moving a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not rely on others. This is the key for many people to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also minimises the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
It is essential that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are many options you can take. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure My Mobility Scooters is able to put their feet on the footplates, and that there is pressure under their feet.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they can put pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap will help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial to ensure that they are in the right position and that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. For this purpose, it is best to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable level.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It can cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move themselves and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You may also find it helpful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you use.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. This material could make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you expect. It can cause a loss in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.
If you are climbing a small step or curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair 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 important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and position the front tires just before the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. To avoid this make sure you are aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. 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, ensure that the hand is in the correct position, usually at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body's weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair left, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek the assistance of someone you know or a family member and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as size and weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns around. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user test leaning back and forward to different extents in order to find an optimal balance between lean and control.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. It is crucial that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with an adult, they should make sure that they are prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily slide over if the technique is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is essential 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.