How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those who are around them.
The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting 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 catch and swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure under their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs without headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. To ensure this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some instances the skin may become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. It may also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly will reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted to the wheels. self propelled wheelchair with attendant brakes can be used across many surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands tighten and reduce the amount of force you can use. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can cause the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding on the front casters.
If you are climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a health professional. When doing this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.
It is crucial to have enough space in the front of you when going up the hill. This will prevent you from running into other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people in the vicinity when you are on the slope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the correct position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 clock (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 placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can assist in this process. It improves the wheelchair's climbing ability by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning back and forward to different degrees to find the optimum balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be ready to help when required. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on an inclined slope, it must be pushed or assisted by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.