How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those who have limitations in walking. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area.
Wheelies are a very popular method to move the wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the wheelchair user and others around them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. To accomplish this, there are a few ways to go about it. First, make sure the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can 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 of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests, they are in a good position so that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to an appropriate height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. This may also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can travel on many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be helpful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters clear 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 expect from your wheelchair and can cause an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you want to do this independently, you will require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
It is crucial to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will stop you from colliding with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and may collide with other people. To avoid this take care to be aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly crucial when on a slope, as it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is placed in the right position, usually at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can travel. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to accomplish this dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast.
On smooth, level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections when the chair turns around. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user must be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be ready to help when they need to. If best self propelled wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the chair could tip over if it is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.