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Everything You Need To Learn About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those who have difficulty walking. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this.

Wheelies are a common method to move the wheelchair. The client must have large hands to be able to span the rims, and grip strength to propel it forward.

Seating Position

Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. For many it is the only way to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those who are around them.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are several things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are at the 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.

The footrest height may need lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.

A strap for the forehead can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. They can be adapted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility.

If the wheelchair has armrests it is important to ensure they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms while they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable position.

It is also essential that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may be irritated and rough due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved regularly.


Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves independently and without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used on various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.

Be electric self propelled wheelchair not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Overly pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. It may also be beneficial to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the force you can apply.

Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you expect. It can cause an increase in control or injuries. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters.

When going up a curb or small step, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health 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 essential to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You will gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people who are around you on an upslope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to catch you if you fall off your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is secure, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly crucial when you are on a slope since it is possible for the chair's center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way.

When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is placed in the right position, usually at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over 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 to turn left, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair right and allow you to remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.

Always read the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for assistance and follow the instructions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by increasing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").

To stop a wheel chair, gently release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a halt and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.

Steering

When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift.

The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections as the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning both 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 important that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people, and when they travel with an adult, they should ensure that they are able to help when required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on a slope, it should be assisted or driven by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair might easily tip over if the action isn't mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can take some of the pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.

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