How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have limitations in their walking. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.

Wheelies are a popular technique for moving in a wheelchair. This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel forward.

Seating Position

Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the wheelchair user and others who are around them.

It is important that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure beneath their feet.

The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort.

A forehead strap will aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that don't include headrests.

It is important that if the chair has armrests, they are in the correct position so that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.

It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.

Pushing

lightest self propelled wheelchair-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.

Be cautious not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.

Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It could also lead to an increase in control or injuries. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional 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 want to do this yourself, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.

It is important to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. You'll gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. To avoid this take care to be aware of people in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a friend or carer ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.

When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that your hand is in the correct position, ideally 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 over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps maintain the integrity of shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim and pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.

Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can travel. In some situations, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. In this instance it is recommended you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by 10cm (4")

To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids before leaving the chair.

Steering

When using a self propelled wheelchairs for sale near me propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for controlling and steering. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick.

The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning forward and backward to different extents to determine an optimum balance between lean and control.

For more difficult or challenging all terrain self propelled wheelchair wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.

To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person in a wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.