How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those who have limitations in walking. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and to get a therapist or occupational therapist to train you in this area.
Wheelies are a common method for moving in a wheelchair. The client must have large hands in order to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are many options you can take. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure under their feet.
The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
It is essential that if the chair has armrests that they are placed in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to use a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It can also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to them. This allows them to move over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it useful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you think. It can also lead to a loss in control and/or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and might be struck by other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of the people around you while on an upslope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. 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 always ensure that the hand is placed in the right position, usually at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (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 maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide provided with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres and allow you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the ability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand as this could cause injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with an adult, they should make sure that they are ready to assist if needed. If best self propelled wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the pressure on the user, and help with turning. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.