How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to span these rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not depend on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable in the chair. There are several things to do to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates must be placed 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's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
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). The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.
A forehead strap will help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair has armrests, it is important that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting their arms as they move. For this purpose, it is best to choose a wheelchair with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some cases blisters and skin irritation can occur when sitting in one position for a long period of time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. It may also be useful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. This material can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you think. It could cause an impairment in control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.
When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you are doing this, it is crucial that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and then place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
It is crucial to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and could collide with other people. You can avoid this by being aware of people who are around you on the slope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward when the braking action is not performed in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that your hand is in the correct position, usually at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.
Always refer to the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended that you seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by increasing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").
To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair.
Steering
The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as 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 like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift.
On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be wrapped around the hand rims as this could cause injury and can result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning back and forward to different degrees to find the optimal balance between leaning and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people, and in the event that they are traveling with an adult, they should ensure that they are ready to assist if needed. If what is self propelled wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar in this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the chair could slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of the wheelchair should make sure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.