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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence to those with limitations in their walking. It is essential to know how to use a self propelled wheelchair to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area.

Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". This requires the client to have hands large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward.

Seating Position

Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others around them.

The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To achieve this, there are many ways to go about it. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the latch on the footrest and swing the footrests around so they are in 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.

It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests are too high they could cause pressure on the spine and cause discomfort and pain.

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

It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests that they are placed in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user doesn't strike them with their arms when they move. For this purpose, it is best self propelled wheelchair to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable position.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances the skin may become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for a long period of time. This can cause blisters. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned 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. This lets them travel over a wide range of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps.

When you are moving forward with your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Overly pressure could cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can apply.

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

It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a steep hill or just a tiny step. If you'd like to accomplish this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or small steps and set the front tires just before the edge.

It is crucial to leave plenty of space in the front of you when going up an uphill. This will keep you from running into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and could collide with other people. You can avoid this by staying aware of the people around you while on the slope. Also, you should have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A self control wheelchair propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward when the braking action is not executed in a controlled manner.

Always make sure your hand is in the proper 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 over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards.

Always refer to the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated manually to negotiate steep slopes. If this is the case it is recommended that you seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide.

It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by increasing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4").

To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before exiting the chair.

Steering

When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are many ways to accomplish this dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they will not be as swift.

The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns. It is also advised that the wheelchair user experiment with leaning back and forward to different degrees to find the optimum balance between lean and control.

The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for terrain that is more challenging. It is crucial that the wheelchair user looks over his or her shoulders regularly to avoid hitting objects or other people, and in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they should ensure that they are able to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be pushed or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this.

To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to 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 tip over if it is not properly mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the burden on the user and also make turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push a person in wheelchair against their will, so the wheelchair user should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.