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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and to get a therapist or occupational therapist to teach you how to use it. Wheelies are a common method for moving in a wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands that are large enough to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel forward. Seating Position As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the key for many who want to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury for the person who is using the wheelchair and those who are around them. It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are several ways to ensure this. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to place them directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user can comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is enough pressure on their feet. The height of the footrest may require lowering, especially for users 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 pain and discomfort when they are too high. A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility expert and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not include headrests. If the wheelchair has armrests it is important to ensure they are in the right position so that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to choose a wheelchair with armrests that can be removed or swivel away. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height. It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, especially if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases blisters and skin irritation may occur after being in one position for a long time. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Pushing Self propelled wheelchairs allow users to move on their own and become independent from the need for a third party to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be cautious not to hold your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Too much pressure can cause your hands cramp and reduce how much force you can apply. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you use. Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. This can make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would expect. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injuries. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to put some extra padding on the front casters. When going up a small step or curb, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to try this on your own, further training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or small steps and place the front tires just before the edge. When pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and might be struck by other people. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope. You should also have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in the event that you begin to fall out of your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a specific way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope as it is possible for the center of gravity to shift forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled way. When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is in the proper position, with the ideal being at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two hours (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps keep the integrity of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints. To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain in a seated position. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards. Always consult the user guide included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair is able to traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. In this situation it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member for assistance and follow the directions in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps while negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the rear and front tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs will assist with this process by enhancing the ability of the chair by around 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will come to a stop and allow you to take off the footrests, set up walking aids and safely get out of the chair. Steering When using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling the. This can be accomplished in various ways, depending on the structure of the chair and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, for instance will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. My Mobility Scooters allow a wheelchair to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters will allow a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but it won't be nearly as fast. On smooth, level surfaces the wheelchair user should push the wheels using both hands to keep momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims in order to avoid injury and can cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair experiment with leaning back and forward to different extents to find the optimal balance between leaning and control. For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users must plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people, and when they travel with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is to be used on a slope, it should be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the chair could slide over if not mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can reduce some of the pressure off the user and make turning much easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers often try to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, therefore the wheelchair user must ensure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.