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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to teach you how to use it. Wheelies are a common method for moving a wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel forward. Seating Position Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not be dependent on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user and those around them. The wheelchair user must be comfortable when seated in the chair. There are several ways to ensure this. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure 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 that there is pressure beneath their feet. It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause pain and discomfort in the event that they are too high. A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from neck muscles that are weak. These can be adapted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not include headrests. It is crucial that if the wheelchair has armrests, they are in a good position so that the user of the wheelchair does not strike them with their arms when they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and attached to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable level. It is also important that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against the surface of the wheelchair. In some instances, skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for a long time. To decrease the chance of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be moved frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are much easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or steps that are small. Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip material built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the 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 in the way you think. It could also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be useful to get some extra padding for the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or a small step. If you are planning to do this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you are doing this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb. It is crucial to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up a hill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You may also collide with another person. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of people who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have navigate to this website or a friend prepared to help you in case you start to fall out of your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled way. Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (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 maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. To turn right with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will cause the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards. Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair can travel. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to negotiate steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek the assistance of 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 will decrease the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It improves the wheelchair's climbing ability by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before safely getting out of the chair. Steering The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow a wheelchair to glide over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as quick. On smooth and level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair makes a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean. The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user must be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair will be placed on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other rim forwards. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair could easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help reduce the burden on the user and help with turning. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers often try to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user must ensure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with covers for the handles.