How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.

Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.

Seating Position

Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the primary factor that helps many who want to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those around them.

It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are many things you can do. First, the footplates must be in the correct place. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests so they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure under 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 put pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high.

A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a mobility expert.

It is important that if the chair has armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position so that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs 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.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for someone else to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.

When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can apply.

It is crucial to keep the front casters free of debris such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair and could result in an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it could be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.

When going up a curb or small step it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. When doing this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels near the curb's edge.

When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and may collide with other people. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of people around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A lightweight self propelling wheelchair-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is situated on a slope, as the centre of gravity can move forward if brakes are not performed in a controlled way.

When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is placed in the correct position, ideally at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

To turn right with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.

Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep gradients. If this happens, it is recommended that you seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.

When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps whenever you are able to. This will minimize the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It increases the ability of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")

To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely leave the chair.

Steering

When using a self propelled wheelchairs for sale near me-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.

The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair test leaning forward and backward to different degrees to determine an optimal balance between leaning and control.

The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair looks over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are ready to assist when required. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.

To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily slide over if the technique is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.