The Hidden Secrets Of How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
The Hidden Secrets Of How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
Blog Article
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limitations in walking. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help teach you how to use it.
Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the user to have large hands to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.
It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are a variety of ways to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests so they are facing the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure under their feet.
The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible with wheelchairs that don't include headrests.
It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.
A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is important, especially for those who are at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for long periods of time and can cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned regularly.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and free themselves from the need for someone else to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This enables them to travel across a range of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.
When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip material on the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, such as sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can cause an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.
If you are climbing an unassuming step or a curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and position the front wheels just before the edge of the curb.
When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear path ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people around you while on a slope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is especially important when the chair is placed on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled way.
When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is in the correct position, usually at 10 hours (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 on the rear wheels, and make it easier to 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 and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.
Always consult the user guide provided with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.
When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This will minimize the amount of pressure required on the rear here and front tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb at get more info a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.
Steering
The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or phone or 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 is able to be able to handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as swift.
The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform more info hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best more info balance between control and lean.
The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or click here other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be prepared to assist when they need to. If the wheelchair is to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience in this.
To turn, the wheelchair user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable, and the chair could fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person in a wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.