Ten Common Misconceptions About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair That Don't Always Hold

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for people with limitations in walking. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to guide you in this area.

Wheelies are a very popular method to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have large hands to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel forward.

Seating Position

Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the wheelchair user and others around them.

The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are several ways to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is enough pressure under their feet.

The height of the footrest may require 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 can put pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort.

A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests.

It is crucial that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are placed in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests for this purpose. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation can occur when sitting in one position for long periods of time. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved frequently.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.

Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use.  Read Even more  can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can use.

Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair in the way you think. It could also lead to an increase in control or injury. If the seat-to-floor distance is very high, you might want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.

When going up a small step or curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you want to try this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels near the curb's edge.

When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear area ahead of you so that you don't get in the way of other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with another person. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of those around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer ready to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled way.

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 will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair right and allow you to remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction.

Always read the user's guide included with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").

To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards 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

When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are numerous ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair's structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters can let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they won't be nearly as fast.

The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.

The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. It is crucial that the wheelchair user looks over both shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people, and if they are travelling with an adult, they should ensure that they are ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the chair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person in the wheelchair against their will, so the wheelchair user must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.