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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to use your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this. Wheelies are a very popular method for moving the wheelchair. This requires the client to have large hands to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel them forward. Seating Position As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity. The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To accomplish this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates should be in the correct place. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are seated comfortably on the footplates. It is possible to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high. A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is recommended to use the wheelchair with removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to an appropriate height. A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is essential, particularly if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for a person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted on them. They can travel on many surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be careful not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and decrease the force you can apply. You might also find it beneficial to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material built into the palms. This will help improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply. It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move in the manner you would expect from your wheelchair, and could lead to a loss of control and/or injury. If your seat-to-floor height is very high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding on the front casters. When going up a small step or curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. When you do this, it is crucial that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels just before the edge of the curb. When you're pushing up a hill it is crucial to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might be struck by other people. To avoid this make sure you are aware of the people in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way. Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. To turn left with a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping backwards. Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the most safe slope your chair can travel. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this instance, it is recommended that you ask a family member or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair. Steering When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as swift. On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections as the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning back and forward to different degrees to find the optimum balance between lean and control. For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. best self propelled wheelchair uk My Mobility Scooters is important that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, when they travel with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are prepared to assist if required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could slide over if not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push a person in a wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user should ensure that the handle handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.