How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is essential to know how to use 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 hands large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.


Seating self propelled wheelchair

As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury for 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. There are several ways to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and then move the footrests to place them in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates, and that there is enough pressure on their feet.

It may be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.

A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.

It is crucial that if the chair has armrests, they are in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In some instances blisters and skin irritation may occur after sitting in one position for a long period of time. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned regularly.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move on their own and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move over a wide range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs.

When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you use.

Keep the front casters free of debris, like rocks or sticks. This material can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It can cause an increase in control or injuries. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you might want to consider adding some additional padding to 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 on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you are doing this, it is important that you place the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and then place the front wheels near the curb's edge.

When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. You will gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with someone else. To help you avoid this make sure you are aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer waiting to catch 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 specific way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.

When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the proper position, usually at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.

To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.

Always consult the user guide included with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be dismounted temporarily and operated manually 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 when negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick to the side to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids before leaving the chair.

Steering

If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as quick.

The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands should not be wrapped around the rims of the hand, as this can cause injury and can lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people, and when they travel with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.

To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the chair could slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can take some of the pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person in a wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.