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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 for moving the wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to extend the rims of the wheelchair, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward. Seating Position Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the wheelchair user and others in the vicinity. The person using the wheelchair must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. There are several things to do to make sure this is the case. First, the footplates should be in the correct place. Release the latch on the footrest and swing the footrests around to place them in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. The footrest's height could require to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort. A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair particularly for those with weak neck muscles. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a professional in mobility. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial that they are in the proper position and that the user of the wheelchair can propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. It is best to use a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them to a more comfortable height. A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, skin irritation and blisters can develop when sitting in one position for a long time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the chair should be rotated frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves independently and without the need for someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. This enables them to travel over a wide variety of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small. When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can use. It is important to keep the front casters clear of debris such as sticks and rocks. If the casters are encased with this type of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would from your wheelchair and could cause an uncontrolled movement and/or injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding on 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'd like to accomplish this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. It is crucial to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) in front of the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just before the edge. When you're pushing up a hill it is important to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and may hit other people. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend waiting to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is particularly important when the chair is on a slope, as the centre of gravity can move forward if brakes are not applied in a controlled manner. Always make sure your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is on the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint. To turn right in a wheelchair, move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars that prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards. Always consult the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the safest 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 situation, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide. When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps as often as you can. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb at a greater speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4"). To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick towards you to de-clutch the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will then come to a halt, enabling you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids, and then safely get out of the chair. Steering The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any additional features such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it will handle. self propelled wheelchairs for sale near me enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle with 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 fast. The wheelchair user should use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. You can do this by gripping the handrims while pushing them with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand as this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean. For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is crucial that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Likewise, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are able to help when needed. If the wheelchair is used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The movement can be uncomfortable and the chair could tip over if it is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning a lot easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them down.
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