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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for those who have limitations in walking. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this. Many people move their wheelchairs using a technique called “wheelies”. This requires the client to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward. Seating Position Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those who are around them. It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are a few ways to go about it. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure beneath their feet. It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain. A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that don't include headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important that they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to the desired height. A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It can also cause blisters. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved regularly. Pushing Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for someone else to push them. They are more maneuverable due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. self propelled wheelchairs for sale may also find it useful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can use. It is important to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair, and could cause an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When you do this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb. It is crucial to have enough space in front of you when pushing up the hill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also crash with someone else. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope and have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not performed in a controlled way. When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the right position, with the ideal being at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two 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 strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint. To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping forwards. Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide. When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps whenever you are able to. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber feature that can help with this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb 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, and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to getting out of the chair. Steering The user is the one responsible for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be done in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it will not be as swift. On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning forward and backward to different extents to find the optimal balance between leaning and control. The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user must be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when required. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is essential to be aware that strangers who are not trained are often able to push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.