how to use a self propelled wheelchair to Use a self propelled wheelchair with attendant brakes Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those who have difficulty walking. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this.

Wheelies are a very popular method to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have large hands to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.

Seating Position

self propelled wheelchair with power assist propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not depend on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair and those who are around them.

The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are a few things you can do. First, the footplates need to be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that 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 enough pressure on 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). The footrests can increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.

A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility.

If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial to ensure they are in the right position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. To ensure this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to an appropriate height.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.

When you are moving forward with your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it useful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you apply.

It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could lead to the loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you might think about adding additional padding to the front casters.

When going up a small step or curb, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to try this on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you are doing this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels near the curb's edge.

When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure you don't run into other people. You will gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can avoid this by being aware of people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, have a friend or caregiver ready to help you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheel chair-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not performed in a controlled manner.

Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.

To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to sit in your chair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over forwards.

Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended to seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by increasing the ability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick to the side to release the motor, and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids prior to getting out of the chair.

Steering

The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow 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 with both hands to maintain the momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of the hand in order to avoid injury and can result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is important 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 prepared to help when required. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, the 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 opposite rim back. The user of the wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique is not properly mastered. The power wheels of the easy self-propelled wheelchair can help ease the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.