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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those with limitations in walking. It is important that you know how to use your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this.

Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and good grip strength to propel forward.

Seating Position

self control wheelchair-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. For many, this is the key to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity.

The wheelchair user must be comfortable in the chair. To ensure this, there are a few ways to go about it. First, the footplates need to be placed in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to place them directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.

The height of the footrest may require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are too high they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.

A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.

It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and put on the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable height.

It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers 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 wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.

Pushing

lightweight self propelled wheelchair propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on the wheels. This lets them travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.

When you are moving forward with your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You may also find it beneficial to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you apply.

It is important to keep the front casters clear of any debris like sticks and rocks. This material can make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.

When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair with small steps and position the front tires just before the edge.

When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and may collide with other people. To avoid this make sure you are aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly crucial when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the braking is not done in a controlled manner.

When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is in the correct position, usually at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.

Always read the user's guide provided with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to climb steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for assistance and follow the steps 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 front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber feature that can assist in this process. It boosts the wheelchair's climbing ability by around 10cm (4")

To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely exit the chair.

Steering

The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast.

On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair test leaning back and forward to different levels to find the optimum balance between lean and control.

For more difficult or challenging all terrain self propelled wheelchair uk wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is important that the user of the wheelchair looks over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are able to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.

To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained people will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.