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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair, and have a doctor/occupational therapy help you in this. Many people move their wheelchair by using a method known as “wheelies”. This requires the client to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and good grip strength to propel them forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those around them. It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for wheelchair users. To achieve this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that they are at the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is even pressure under 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). The footrests can put the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high. A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have weakness of the neck muscles. They can be adapted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility. If the wheelchair has armrests, it is crucial to ensure they are in the proper position and that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting them with their arms as they move. To ensure this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have armrests that can be removed or swivel away. Alternately, foam inserts can be cut and glued to the armrest's back to raise them up to a more comfortable level. A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some cases the skin may be irritated and rough from sitting in the same position for long periods of time and can cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the chair should be repositioned frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and eliminate the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the force you can apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves 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. If the casters have been covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and can cause a loss of control or even injury. If your seat-to-floor height is extremely high, you may be thinking about adding extra padding to the front casters. When going up an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge. When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear space ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and might be struck by other people. To avoid this, try to be aware of those around you when you are on a slope. You should also have a friend or carer prepared to help you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is particularly crucial when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled way. Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). please click the following website will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder, elbow 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 will turn the wheelchair to the right, allowing you to stay in a seated position. 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 some cases the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to climb steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide. When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This will decrease the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the capacity of the chair by around 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt and allow you to take off the footrests, prepare walking aids, and then safely leave the chair. Steering The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair's structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift. The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims as this can cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning backwards and forwards to find the optimal balance between control and lean. The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for terrain that is more challenging. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver they should be ready to help when they need to. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is essential to be aware that strangers who are not trained are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them back.