How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for people with limitations in walking. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Wheelies are a common method to move the wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. This is the primary factor that helps many who want to regain their independence or retaining it. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are a variety of things that can be done to ensure this. First, ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair must be placed 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 the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure under their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing away armrests. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. It can cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce how much force you are able to apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair, and could result in an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding for the front casters.
If you are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to try this independently, more training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is essential to place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels near the edge of the curb.
It is crucial to leave enough space in the front of you when going up an uphill. This will stop you from crashing into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and might hit other people. To help you avoid this make sure you are aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event that 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 specific way. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the proper position, ideally at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (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 integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn left with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping forwards.
Always refer to the user guide included with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely exiting the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters let a chair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not be as fast.
On smooth, level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is advised that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backward to different levels to find the optimal balance between leaning and control.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar in this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on a different surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the burden on the user and help with turning. It is essential to be aware that strangers who are not trained tend to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.