A Peek In How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair's Secrets Of How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled WheelchairWheelchairs allow mobility and independence to people with 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.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
As the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user as well as the people surrounding them.
The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure beneath their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users 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 seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair particularly for those with neck muscles that are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing away armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases blisters and skin irritation may occur after sitting in one position for a long time. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.
Keep the front casters free of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It can cause a loss in control and/or injuries. 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 push the wheelchair to help you go up a curb or a small step. If you want to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is crucial to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. To help you avoid this, try to be aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are here not performed in a controlled manner.
Always make sure that your hand is in the proper position when pushing 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 keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to sit in your chair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always refer to the user guide that comes click here with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is advised to seek the assistance of an individual or a relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the wheelchair's climbing ability by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters allow a chair to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they won't be nearly as fast.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or more info difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should plan read more ahead and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn to turn, here the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push a person in wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.