How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those who are around them.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things to do to make sure this is the case. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
It could be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a mobility expert.
It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. To ensure ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair is recommended to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and put on the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable position.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters can occur when being in one position for long periods of time. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can travel across various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
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 reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could cause a loss of control or even injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is high, you may want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.
If you are climbing a curb or small step it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is important to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.
It is crucial to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up a hill. This will prevent you from running into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and may hit other people. To prevent this from happening, try to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event 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 that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that your hand is in the proper position, usually at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps keep the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. In this case, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps whenever possible. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids prior to leaving the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair's structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast.
On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand in order to avoid injury and can cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the chair could slide over if not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained people tend to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them back.