How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help teach you how to use it.
Wheelies are a very popular method to move a wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able span the rims, and also have the strength to push it forward.
Seating Position
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not depend on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and those around them.
It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are several options you can take. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed 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 aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. These can be fitted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that do not include headrests.
It is essential that if the chair has armrests that they are in a good position so that the user of the wheelchair does not hit them with their arms when they move. To ensure this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with swing away or removable armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to an appropriate height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time. This may also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or small steps.
As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to hold the handle too tightly. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could lead to an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels close to the curb's edge.
It is important to leave enough space in the space in front of you when moving up an uphill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and might hit other people. You can avoid this by being aware of people around you while on an upslope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready 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 way 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 could move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is placed in the proper position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two 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 maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be removed temporarily and operated manually to climb steep slopes. In this instance, it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature which can aid in this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to exiting the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can be able to handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but it won't be nearly as fast.
On smooth and level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of your hand, as this can cause injury and can cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is important that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are able to assist if required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers will often force wheelchair users against their will. self propelled wheelchair with attendant brakes should cover the handles or fold them down.