How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able span the rims, and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence or retaining it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair and those surrounding them.
It is essential that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are a variety of things that can be done to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests so they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure under their feet.
It may be necessary to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.
A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is essential that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to choose a wheelchair with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. This can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.
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 a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted to the wheels. They can travel on various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you apply.
It is important to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can result in the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
When going up a small step or curb, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. When you do this, it is important to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
When you're pushing up a hill, it is essential to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't run into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and may hit other people. You can avoid this by being aware of the people who are around you on a slope. Also, you should have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is especially important when the chair is situated on a slope as the centre of gravity can move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that your hand is in the correct position, usually at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim and pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be removed temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member for help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can help with this process. more resources boosts the ability of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply 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
When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling. There are many ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions 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 of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as swift.
On smooth, level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of your hand, as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. It is essential 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 a caregiver, they should ensure that they are prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth flat ground before attempting it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and make turning a lot easier. It is important to be aware that untrained people tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them back.