snakecrayon54

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this. Wheelies are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. lightweight self propelled wheelchair requires the client to have hands that are large enough to reach across the rims and good grip strength to propel them forward. Seating Position As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair and those surrounding them. The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain if they are too high. A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility. It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or removable armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable height. It is also essential 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. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be rotated frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used across a variety of surfaces, without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it 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 materials in the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply. Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it can make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could lead to the loss of control or even injury. If your seat-to-floor height is high, you may want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you are planning to do this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing this, it is crucial to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge. When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could collide with other people. To avoid this take care to be aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend prepared to help you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when the chair is placed on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled manner. Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 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 maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction. Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually to overcome steep slopes. In this case it is recommended 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 the kerbstones. This will minimize the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres and allow you to move over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair. Steering The user is responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. There are many ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and accessories like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they won't be nearly as fast. On smooth and level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand, as this can cause injury and can lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that the wheelchair user try leaning forward and backward to different levels to find the optimal balance between lean and control. For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar with this. To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning a lot easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.