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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 use your wheelchair and let a doctor/occupational therapy help you with this. Many people maneuver their wheelchairs by using a method known as “wheelies”. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward. Seating Position As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury for both the person who is using the wheelchair as well as those around them. It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To achieve this, there are a few options you can take. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and there is pressure on their feet. It could be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and cause pain and discomfort. A strap for the forehead can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert. It is essential that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in an appropriate position so that the user of the wheelchair does not hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to a more comfortable height. A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In lightweight folding self propelled wheelchair mymobilityscooters , the skin can be irritated and rough due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. It can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are much more maneuverable than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted on them. They can travel across various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. When you are moving forward with your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. You may also find it beneficial to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you can use. Keep the front casters free of debris, such as rocks or sticks. This material could make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It can also lead to an increase in control or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to put some extra padding on 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 want to do this independently, you will require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just before the edge. When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure 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 be struck by other people. To help you avoid this, try to be aware of the people who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in case you start to fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is particularly crucial when the chair is placed on an inclined slope, since the center of gravity can move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled way. When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the correct position, ideally at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim and then pull back the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and allows you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the chair from tipping forwards. Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to traverse the kerb with greater speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or make walking aids prior to getting out of the chair. Steering When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast. The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the hand rims and pushing evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean. The user of a wheelchair should be aware of obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they are traveling with a caregiver, they must be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by an adult until the user has gained experience with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other forwards. The wheelchair user should practice this on a smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user must cover the handles or fold them inwards.