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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have limitations in walking. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.
Wheelies are a very popular method to move the wheelchair. The client must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not depend on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are many things you can do. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high.
A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible on 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 doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. For this purpose, it is best to choose a wheelchair with removable or swing away armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time and can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved frequently.
Pushing
Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used on various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.
When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to hold the handle too tightly. Overly pressure could cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it beneficial to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.
It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. This material could make it hard to move your wheelchair as you expect. It can cause a loss in control and/or injuries. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or just a tiny step. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just before the edge.
When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear space ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair.
Braking
A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the correct position, with the ideal being at ten clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping backwards.
Always read the user's guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated by hand to negotiate steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member to help and follow the steps 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 and allow you to move over the kerb at a greater speed. More about the author have an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It boosts the wheelchair's climbing ability by about 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will break the clutch on the motor. The wheelchair will then come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and leave the chair.
Steering
The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily slide over if the technique isn't mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help reduce the pressure on the user, and make turning easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them down.