How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limitations in walking. It is crucial to master the use of your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this.

Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and good grip strength to propel them forward.

Seating Position

self propelled all terrain wheelchair-propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not be dependent on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury for the wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them.

It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are several ways to ensure this. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them round so that they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.

The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can put pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.

A strap for the forehead can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have weak neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility.

It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in the correct position so that the wheelchair user isn't able to hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to a more comfortable height.

A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is important, especially for those who are at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for a long period of time. This can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated regularly.

Pushing

self propelled all terrain wheelchair-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without worrying about falling or getting stuck on obstacles like small steps or curbs.

Be cautious not to hold the chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Overly pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You may also find it helpful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply.

Keep the front casters free of debris, like sticks or rocks. This material can make it hard to move your wheelchair as you think. It could cause a loss in control and/or injuries. If the seat-to-floor distance is extremely high, you might want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters.

When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to do this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.

It is essential to leave plenty of space in the front of you when going up the hill. This will prevent you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. You can avoid this by being aware of the people around you while on the slope. Also, make sure you have a friend or caregiver ready to help you if you fall off your wheelchair.

Braking

To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.

Always make sure your hand is in the proper position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards.

Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can travel. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. If this happens, it is recommended to seek assistance from someone you know or a family member and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating kerbstones. This will lessen the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs have a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by around 10cm (4")

To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely exit the chair.

Steering

If you are using a narrow self propelled wheelchair uk-propelled wheelchair self propelled the user is responsible for steering and controlling. There are numerous ways to do this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces but it will not be as swift.

On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean.

The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning a lot easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push a person who is in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.