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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this. Wheelies are a very popular method to move the wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and also have the strength to push the wheelchair forward. Seating Position As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury to the wheelchair user as well as those around them. It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are several ways to ensure this. First, make sure the footplates are in the right position. Lift the latch for the footrests and swing the footrests around so they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. The height of the footrest may require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). 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 will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if the neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a specialist in mobility. If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial that they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to an appropriate height. A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly when a person who uses a wheelchair is at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances the skin may become irritated and raw because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time and may also cause blisters. Repositioning the chair regularly can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and become independent from the need for another person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted on their sides. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without worrying about slipping or getting stuck on obstacles like curbs or small steps. When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. A lot of pressure can cause your hands tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. It may also be helpful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply. It is essential to keep the front casters clear of debris such as sticks and rocks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It can cause an increase in control or injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or a small step. If you wish to attempt this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a health professional. When you are doing this, it is important that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels close to the edge of the curb. It is important to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and may collide with other people. To avoid this make sure you are aware of those around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall from your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled chair requires the user to perform the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when the chair is on an inclined slope, since the centre of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled manner. When pushing a wheelchair, ensure that the hand is placed in the proper position, ideally at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is placed over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint. To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. all terrain self propelled wheelchair causes the wheelchair to turn right and will allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards. Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair for the maximum safe slope your chair can travel. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the instructions in the User Guide. When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps as often as you can. This will reduce the amount of pressure required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs will aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair you need to release the brakes gently and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely get out of the chair. Steering When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the wheelchair's structure and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast. The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the rims of your hand in order to avoid injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with various 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 be aware of their shoulders and avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if they need to. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable with the. To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the opposite rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push a person who is in a wheelchair against their will, so the user of a wheelchair should ensure that the attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.