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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area.

Many people move their wheelchair using a technique called "wheelies". The client must have large 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 depend on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those around them.

It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To achieve this, there are many things you can do. First, the footplates must be in the correct place. Release the latch on the footrest and then move the footrests to place them facing the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is pressure beneath their feet.

The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests may increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high.

A strap for the forehead can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility.

If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential that they are in the proper position so that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. For this purpose, it is best to use wheelchairs with removable or swing away armrests. best self propelled wheelchair uk 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 important, especially if a wheelchair user is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the wheelchair surfaces. In some cases the skin may become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time. It can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need for someone to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to the wheels. This lets them travel across a range of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small.

When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can apply. It may also be helpful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can use.

It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and could cause the loss of control and/or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it could be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters.

When going up a curb or small step, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you want to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or take a small step and place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb.

When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear area ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and may collide with other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of other people in the vicinity when you are on an upslope. Also, make sure you have an adult or caregiver available to assist you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not performed in a controlled manner.

When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that your hand is in the correct position, with the ideal being at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards.

Always refer to the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some cases, the wheelchair may have to be removed temporarily and operated by hand to negotiate steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.


When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by enhancing the capacity of the chair by around 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick inward towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.

Steering

The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any add-ons like armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters let a chair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel over these rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.

The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injury and can cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The user of the wheelchair should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.

To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could slide over if not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and make turning easier. It is also helpful to know that well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person who is in wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.

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