How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.

Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have large hands to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel them forward.

Seating Position

As the name suggests lightweight self propelling wheelchair-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person who is using the wheelchair as well as the people around them.

The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are many things you can do. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates.

It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high.

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

It is important that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to use an armrest that is removable or swing-away armrests for How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height.

It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances, the skin can become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and can also cause blisters. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned regularly.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to them. This enables them to travel across a range of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.

Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply.

Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as rocks or sticks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, how to use a self propelled wheelchair it can make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can cause the loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding to the front casters.

When climbing a small step or curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. When doing this, it is important that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels near the curb's edge.

When you are pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. You will gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. To avoid this make sure you are aware of those around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in the event you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheelchairs for sale propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is situated on an inclined slope, since the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner.

Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (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, which makes it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

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

Always refer to the user guide included with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually to climb steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and safely leave the chair.

Steering

When using a lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for controlling and steering. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but it won't be nearly as fast.

The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean.

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 hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when required. If the wheelchair is to be used on a slope, it should be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience with this.

To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. 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 has power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the wheelchair user should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.