How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is essential to know how to use your wheelchair and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". mymobilityscooters 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 allow you to move independently and not depend on others. This is the primary factor that helps many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To accomplish this, there are many things you can do. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the latch on the footrest and move the footrests to make sure they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.
It is important that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable level.
It is also essential that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. This can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.
Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You could also consider using 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 can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would think. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or an easy step. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might collide with other people. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a caregiver or a friend prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain manner. This is particularly crucial when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when you push the 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 over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely leave the chair.
Steering
If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. This can be done in various ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair 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 the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and could result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is also advised that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning back and forward to different levels in order to find an optimum balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The user of the wheelchair should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. 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 needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily fall over if the motion is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that strangers who are not trained are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.