Why You'll Want To Learn More About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
Why You'll Want To Learn More About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those who have limitations in their walking. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel them forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not depend on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or retaining it. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them.
It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are many things that can be done to make sure this is the case. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the latch on the footrest and swing the footrests around to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates.
It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can be used to help keep the wheelchair user upright particularly for those with neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests.
It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user 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 attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to the desired height.
It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become irritated and raw due to 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 moved frequently.
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 because they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to the wheels. This enables them to travel across a variety of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.
As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. A lot of pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it helpful to wear a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into 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, such as sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you expect. It can cause a loss in control and/or injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or an easy step. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and set the front tires just prior to the edge.
When you're pushing up a hill it is crucial to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and might collide with other people. You can avoid this by being aware of the people in the vicinity when here you are on the slope. Also, have check here someone with you to assist you in case you begin to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
A self-propelled chair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a specific manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not executed in a controlled manner.
Always make sure your hand is in the right position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to sit in your chair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated manually to climb steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the front and back tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").
To stop a wheel chair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off here the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely exiting the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the website front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to get more info handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.
The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.
For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.
To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user must practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on any other surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could relieve some pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people tend to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them down.