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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limitations in their walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to have a doctor/occupational therapist help teach you how to use it. 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 Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the key for many people to regain their independence, or keeping it. It also lowers the risk of injury for the wheelchair user as well as the people surrounding them. It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are several things you can do. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are on the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. It is possible to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and cause pain and discomfort. A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair particularly for those with weakness of the neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert. It is important that if the chair has armrests, they are in the correct position so that the user of the wheelchair does not hit them with their arms when they move. To ensure 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 up to a more comfortable height. A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is important, especially for those who are at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, skin irritation and blisters can occur when sitting in one position for a long period of time. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for another person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. This allows them to move across a range of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as small steps or curbs. Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. It may also be helpful to use a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material that is built into the palms. This will improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply. It is essential to keep the front casters free of any debris, such as sticks and rocks. This material could 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 could be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters. If you are climbing a curb or small step, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge. It is essential to leave enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will keep you from crashing into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and may hit other people. To prevent this from happening make sure you are aware of those who are around you when you're on a slope. Also, have a caregiver or a friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a certain way. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on a slope as the center of gravity can move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled way. When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is in the right position, ideally at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel and released at two hours (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards. Always refer to our source provided with your chair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek help from an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever possible. This will lessen the pressure on the front and back tyres allowing you to travel faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick inward towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will come to a halt and allow you to take off the footrests, put in walking aids and exit the chair. Steering If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters allow a chair to move faster however they are unable to handle rough surfaces like grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as fast. On smooth, level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections when the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that wheelchair users test with different levels of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean. For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users must plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user must be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair is placed on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the chair could slide over if not mastered. The power wheels on the wheelchair can help ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers will often push a wheelchair user against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.