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Quiz: How Much Do You Know About How To Use A Self Propelled Wheelchair?
How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to have a doctor/occupational therapist help teach you how to use it.

Wheelies are a common method to move the wheelchair. The user must have big hands to be able reach the rims and grip strength to propel it forward.

Seating Position

Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury to the wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them.

The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are several things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is enough pressure on their feet.

The footrest height may need lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort.

A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair particularly for those with neck muscles that are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.

It is important that if the chair has armrests that they are in the correct position so that the user of the wheelchair isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. For this purpose it is recommended to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable level.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can be irritated and rough because of sitting in a single position for a prolonged period of time and may also cause blisters. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move themselves independently and without the need for someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted to their sides. This lets them travel across a range of surfaces without having to worry about falling or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small.

Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers with grip materials in the palms. what is a self propelled wheelchair will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can use.

It is crucial to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can cause an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you might want to consider adding some extra padding on the front casters.

It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or just a tiny step. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is important that you position the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and position the front wheels close to the curb's edge.

It is crucial to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will prevent you from colliding with other people. You'll gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with another person. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of people who are around you on the slope. Also, make sure you have someone with you to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking


To ensure that the wheelchair is safe users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.

Always make sure your hand is in the right position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim and then pull back 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 that prevent the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction.

Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member for help and follow the instructions in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It improves the ability of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")

To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely exit the chair.

Steering

When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for controlling and steering. This can be done in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick.

On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and result in over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is also advised that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backward to different degrees to find the optimal balance between lean and control.

For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user must look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if they need to. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable.

To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may fall over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user, making turning a lot easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them inwards.

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