Lona Westbury

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for people with limitations in their walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.

Wheelies are a common method for moving the wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.

Seating Position

Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the wheelchair user and others around them.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. There are a variety of things to do to ensure this. First, make sure the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure beneath their feet.

It could be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort.

A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility.

It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in a good position so that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests for this purpose. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable position.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for a long time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved frequently.

Pushing

self propelled wheelchairs lightweight self propelled wheelchairs uk wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.

As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to hold the handle too tightly. Overly pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce how much force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can use.

It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris like rocks and sticks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you would think. It could also lead to an increase in control or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is very high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.

When going up a small step or curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When doing this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb.

When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can avoid this by being aware of other people who are around you on an upslope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.

Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.

To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.

Always consult the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.

When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by around 10cm (4")

To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids before leaving the chair.

Steering

The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it won't be nearly as fast.

On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand in order to avoid injury and can cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that the wheelchair user test leaning back and forward to different degrees in order to find an optimal balance between leaning and control.

The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user must look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they must be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the chair could fall over if not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help reduce the burden on the user and help with turning. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them back.