What Do You Know About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair?
How to Use a Self Propelled WheelchairWheelchairs provide mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. To accomplish this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure under their feet.
It is possible to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they can put pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is important to ensure that they are in the right position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to choose a wheelchair with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable position.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some instances blisters and skin irritation can occur when being in one position for a long period of time. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on them. They can be used across a variety of surfaces, without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You might also find it useful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip material built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are covered with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could result in the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you go up a curb or an easy step. If you'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When you do this, it is crucial to place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the how to self propel a wheelchair curb.
It is essential to have enough space in the front of you when going up a hill. This will keep you from running into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could collide with other people. To avoid this, try to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend prepared to here help you in the event you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. 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 executed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the proper position, usually at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain sitting. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult here the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair is able to traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may self propelled wheelchair with suspension need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended that you seek out a friend self propelled wheelchairs for sale uk or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It improves the wheelchair's climbing ability by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will manage. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.
On smooth, level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped 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 wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver they should be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning a lot easier. It is crucial 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 down.