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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs offer independence and mobility for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and to consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area. Wheelies are a very popular method for moving a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel forward. Seating Position As the name implies self-propelled wheelchairs lets you move your body and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many people to regain their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those in the vicinity. It is important that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are several things that can be done to ensure this. First, the footplates need to be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. It may be necessary to lower the footrest height particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the bones of the seat and increase pain and discomfort. A strap for the forehead can aid the wheelchair user in staying upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is crucial that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms as they move. To ensure this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to an appropriate height. It is also essential that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In self propelled wheelchair with power assist may become irritated and raw due to sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time and may also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move themselves independently and without the need for a person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and push handles fitted on their sides. They can travel across various surfaces without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Using too much pressure could cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip materials in the palms. This will improve the positioning of your hands and increase the force you can apply. Keep the front casters clear of debris, like rocks or sticks. If the casters are covered with this kind of material, it could make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and can lead to the loss of control or even injury. If you have a high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or an easy step. If you'd like to do this independently, you will require additional training and experience under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and place the front tires just prior to the edge. It is crucial to have enough space in the front of you when going up a hill. This will keep you from colliding with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might collide with other people. To help you avoid this, try to be aware of the people around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event that you begin 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 especially important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not performed in a controlled way. Always make sure your hand is in the proper position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, and make it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint. To turn left with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim, then pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards. Always consult the user guide provided with your wheelchair to confirm the safest slope your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep gradients. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek help from someone you know or a family member and follow the instructions in the User Guide. When traversing kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps as often as you can. This reduces the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids prior to leaving the chair. Steering If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair the user is accountable for steering and controlling. This can be done in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any add-ons like armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to be able to handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it will not be as swift. On smooth, level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims while pushing with both hands. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and cause over-corrections as the chair turns around. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair try leaning back and forward to different extents to find the optimum balance between lean and control. The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid running into objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when required. If the wheelchair is to be used on the slope, it should be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience with this. To turn to turn, the user pulls the rim of one hand back while pushing the other hand forwards. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable and the chair could slide over if not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this will reduce some of the pressure off the user, making turning much easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push a person in wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair should make sure that their handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.