How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is essential to know how to self propel a wheelchair to maneuver your chair and to get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area.

Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to reach the rims and grip strength to propel it forward.

Seating Position

self propelled wheelchairs for sale-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not depend on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others who are around them.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are a variety of ways to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the latch on the footrest and swing the footrests around to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is enough pressure on their feet.

The footrest's height could require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high.

A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs without headrests by a mobility expert.

It is crucial that if the chair has armrests that they are in the correct position so that the user of the wheelchair does not hit them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to an appropriate height.

It is also essential that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In certain instances, skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in a single position for a long time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be rotated regularly.

Pushing

self control wheelchair-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on their sides. This allows them to move across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.

When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure can cause your hands cramp and reduce how much force you can use. You may also find it beneficial to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use.

Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you expect. It could cause a loss in control and/or injuries. If your seat-to-floor height is extremely high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding to the front casters.

When going up a small step or curb it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to do this on your own, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When you do this, it is crucial that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels near the edge of the curb.

When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with 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 make sure you are aware of those around you when you are on a slope and have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheelchair with attendant brakes-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way.

Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left rim. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.

Always read the user's guide provided with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the instructions in the User Guide.

When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb that can help with this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids and get out of the chair.

Steering

When using a self propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for controlling and steering. This can be done in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it will not be as swift.

The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and lead to over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is also advised that the wheelchair user try leaning back and forward to different extents to determine an optimal balance between lean and control.

The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for all terrain self propelled wheelchair that is more challenging. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair looks over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are ready to help when required. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user has gained experience in this.

To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning a lot easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.