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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 that you learn how to use your wheelchair and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this. Wheelies are a very popular method for moving in a wheelchair. The user must have big hands in order to reach the rims and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. This is the most important factor for many to regaining their independence or retaining it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the wheelchair user as well as the people surrounding them. The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable when seated in the chair. To accomplish this, there are many ways to go about it. First, the footplates must be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests so they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can put pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain when they are too high. A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a specialist in mobility and can be used on wheelchairs that do not have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential that they are in the proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting their arms when they move. It is best to choose the wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable height. It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high chance of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances blisters and skin irritation can develop when sitting in a single position for a long time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are more maneuverable due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on many surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be helpful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves with grip materials built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you can apply. Keep the front casters clear of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This material can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It could cause a loss in control and/or injuries. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be useful to get some additional padding for the front casters. When going up a curb or small step it is recommended you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and experience is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When doing over at this website , it is important that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and then place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb. It is crucial to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. This will keep you from crashing into other people. You'll gain speed quickly when you don't have enough space ahead of you. You could also end up colliding with someone else. To avoid this make sure you are aware of people around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when you are on a slope since it is possible for the centre of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way. When pushing a wheelchair always ensure that the hand is in the right position, ideally at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel and releasing near two hours (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight remains on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps to maintain the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. 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 turn the wheelchair right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping forwards. Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair might need to be removed temporarily and operated manually to climb steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the amount of pressure needed on the rear and front tyres and allow you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb that can assist in this process. It improves the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and leave the chair. Steering The user is accountable for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as in size and weight. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as quick. The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the hand rims and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair makes in a circle. It is recommended that wheelchair users experiment with different levels of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean. The wheelchair user should anticipate obstacles and prepare for more difficult terrain. The user of the wheelchair should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if they need to. If the wheelchair is going 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 needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could fall over if not properly mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained people often attempt to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the user of the wheelchair should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.