How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those who have limitations in walking. It is essential to learn how to use your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.



Wheelies are a common method to move the wheelchair. https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/products/comforyou-lightweight-folding-mobility-scooter-with-hand-brake requires the user to have hands large enough to span these rims and have a strong grip to propel forward.

Seating Position

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not be dependent on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those around them.

The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are a few things you can do. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to make sure they are facing the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is pressure on their feet.

It is possible to lower the footrest height 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 strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.

It is crucial that if the chair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to use a wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the armrest's back in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.

A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation can develop when being in one position for a long time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be rotated regularly.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.

As you move forwards with your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Overly pressure can cause your hands tighten and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You may also find it beneficial to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip material built into the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply.

It is crucial to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can lead to the loss of control or even injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some extra padding on the front casters.

When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to try this on your own, further training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and position the front tires close to the edge.

It is crucial to leave plenty of space in the front of you when going up an uphill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. You will gain speed quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. To avoid this make sure you are aware of people in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.

Braking

A self-propelled chair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is situated on a slope as the center of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled way.

When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that your hand is in the right position, ideally at ten hours (10:00) on the wheel and released at two hours (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.

Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep gradients. In this case it is recommended you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by enhancing the capacity of the chair by around 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to leaving 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 vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.

On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections when the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards 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 important that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are able to assist if required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user has gained experience in this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning a lot easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers can try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user should ensure that the handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.