How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is important to learn how to move your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". The user must have big hands to be able reach the rims and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body 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 wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. There are a variety of things that can be done to ensure this. First, the footplates should be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and there is pressure beneath their feet.
It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain.
A strap for the forehead can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a professional in mobility.
It is crucial that if the chair has armrests that they are in the correct position so that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable position.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances skin irritation and blisters can develop when being in one position for a long period of time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to their sides. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
As you move forwards with your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and can cause an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you are planning to do this independently, more training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is important to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
When you're pushing up a hill, it is essential to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with another person. You can avoid this by staying aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to help you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly important when the chair is situated on a slope as the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that your hand is in the proper position, ideally at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.
To turn right with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards.
Always consult the user guide that comes with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek the assistance of someone you know or a family member and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever you are able to. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. mymobilityscooters on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters let a chair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not be as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands 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 wrapped around the hand rims, as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may fall over if not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push someone in wheelchair against their will, which is why the wheelchair user should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.