10 Quick Tips For How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this.
Wheelies are a common method to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel forward.
Seating Position
As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the primary factor that helps many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To ensure this, there are a few options you can take. First, the footplates need to be in the correct place. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and cause discomfort and pain.
A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a professional in mobility.
If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable level.
A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is crucial, especially for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In certain instances, skin irritation and blisters can occur when being in one position for a long time. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
When you are moving forward on your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could cause an uncontrolled movement or even injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or just a tiny step. If self propelled wheelchair with power assist 'd like to accomplish this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of medical professionals. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with someone else. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of the people around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in the event that you begin to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when the chair is on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner.
Always ensure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps maintain the integrity of shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.
Always read the user's guide included with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek the assistance of an individual or a relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps whenever possible. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It increases the ability of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and exit the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast.
On smooth surface that is level on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user must keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if they need to. If the wheelchair is to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.