How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.
Wheelies are a common method for moving a wheelchair. self propelled wheelchair ebay requires the user to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user as well as those who are around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To achieve this, there are a few ways to go about it. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.
The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort when they are too high.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair particularly for those with neck muscles that are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and can be used with wheelchairs that don't include headrests.
It is important that if the chair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to use a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest in order to raise them to a more comfortable level.
A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly for those who are at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation can develop when sitting in a single position for long periods of time. Repositioning the chair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move themselves independently and without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This lets them travel across a range of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.
Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair and could result in an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a curb or an easy step. If you'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
It is essential to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer ready to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled way.
Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 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 to maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can travel. In some circumstances the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you ask a friend or family member for help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to mount and dismount via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the front and rear tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and get out of the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will manage. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as quick.
The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and 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) as the chair turns. It is recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backward to different degrees to determine an optimal balance between leaning and control.
For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user must push one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can take some of the pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.