How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have limitations in their walking. It is important that you know how to use your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this.

Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the user to have large hands to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel them forward.

Seating Position

Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.

It is important that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To achieve this, there are several options you can take. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.

It is possible to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain.

A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. These can be adapted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that don't include headrests.

If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial to ensure they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting their arms as they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable height.

A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. It can also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.

As you move forwards with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.

Keep the front casters free of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you think. It could cause a loss in control and/or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is extremely high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters.

When going up an unassuming step or a curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.

When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and may hit other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people who are around you on the slope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.

When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the right position, with the ideal being at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

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

Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In some instances the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated by hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of someone you know or a family member and follow the instructions in the User Guide.

When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the climbing capability of the chair by around 10cm (4").

To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair.

Steering

When using a self propelled wheelchairs uk-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters let a chair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick.

The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or challenging all terrain self propelled wheelchair wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if required. If the transit wheelchair vs self propelled is placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.

To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them down.