How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those surrounding them.
It is important that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To achieve this, there are many things you can do. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests so they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure beneath their feet.
The footrest's height could require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a specialist in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is recommended to use the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable level.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move over a wide variety of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be helpful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you expect. It could cause a loss in control and/or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you may think about adding extra padding on the front casters.
When climbing a small step or curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. When you do this, it is important to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
It is essential to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will prevent you from colliding with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and could collide with 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 carer or friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is particularly important when the chair is situated on a slope as the center of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is placed in the correct position, usually at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allows you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps whenever you are able to. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the climbing capability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable 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 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 enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't 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 while pushing with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injury and can result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.
The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. wheelchair self propelled is essential that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair must practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained people are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them inwards.