How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this.
Wheelies are a very popular method for moving a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around 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 the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
It is important that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are several ways to go about it. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release the latch on the footrest and swing the footrests around to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. It can cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be useful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip material built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can use.
It is crucial to keep the front casters clear 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 as you would expect from your wheelchair and can cause a loss of control and/or potential injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.
When climbing a curb or small step, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you are doing this, it is important that you position the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and position the front wheels near the edge of the curb.
When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. simply click the following page will gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people around you while on a 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 control the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is in the right position, with the ideal being at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps to keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and accessories like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand, as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The user of the wheelchair should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, so the user of the wheelchair must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.