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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for people with limitations in their walking. It is essential to know how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help train you in this area. Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique called “wheelies”. The user must have big hands to be able to reach the rims and also have the strength to push it forward. Seating Position As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to the wheelchair user and others around them. The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable in the chair. To accomplish this, there are several ways to go about it. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and swing the footrests around so they are in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is pressure beneath 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). If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and cause discomfort and pain. A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility. It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable height. A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for a long period of time. It can also cause blisters. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated regularly. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need of someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on many surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce how much force you are able to apply. You may also find it beneficial to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use. Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It could also lead to a loss in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it could be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters. self propelled wheelchair ebay is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you are planning to do this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb. It is crucial to have enough space in the front of you when going up a hill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. You'll gain speed quickly if you don't leave enough space in front of you. You may also collide with another person. To avoid this make sure you are aware of those around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a caregiver or a friend prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall out of your wheelchair. Braking A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a particular way to ensure the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not applied in a controlled way. Always ensure that your hand is in the right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 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 keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints. To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to remain seated in your chair. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards. Always refer to the user guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide. When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended to remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever you are able to. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can remove the footrests and prepare walking aids before exiting the chair. Steering When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in different ways dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to be 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. The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims since this can cause injury and lead to over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean. The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, if they are travelling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are prepared to help when needed. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the. 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 motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may fall over if not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is important to be aware that untrained strangers will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them back.