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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those with limited walking ability. It is important to learn how to move your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help guide you in this area. Wheelies are a very popular method to move the wheelchair. This requires the client to have hands large enough to reach across the rims and have a strong grip to propel forward. Seating Position As the name implies, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the chance of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them. The wheelchair user must be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To accomplish this, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests so they are facing the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is enough pressure beneath their feet. It could be necessary to lower the footrest height, especially if the user is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and cause discomfort and pain. A forehead strap can help the wheelchair user stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility. If the wheelchair has armrests, it is important to ensure they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to a more comfortable height. It is also essential that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if the wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against the surfaces of the wheelchair. In certain instances blisters and skin irritation may occur after sitting in one position for a long period of time. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated regularly. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to maneuver themselves and free themselves from the need for a third party to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to their sides. They can be used across various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be careful not to grip your chair handle too tightly when you move forward. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and decrease the amount of force you can apply. You can also use gloves for wheelchairs or handrim covers with grip material in the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply. Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This can make it hard to move your wheelchair in the way you think. It can also lead to an impairment in control and/or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you may think about adding extra padding on the front casters. When going up a curb or small step it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you wish to attempt this on your own, additional training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and place the front tires close to the edge. It is important to leave plenty of space in the space in front of you when moving up the hill. 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 could hit other people. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of people around you when you are on a slope and have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in case you start to fall out of your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular way. This is especially important 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 performed in a controlled manner. When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that your hand is in the proper 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's weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps to maintain the integrity of shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint. To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right hand rim, then pull back on the left rim. lightweight self propelled wheelchair will turn the wheelchair to the right and allow you to remain sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars to stop them from tipping backwards. Always read the user's guide provided with your wheelchair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. If this happens, it is advised to seek help from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available 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, push the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will come to a stop, enabling you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and safely get out of the chair. Steering The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are numerous ways to do this, depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for instance will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let a wheelchair travel over rough surfaces, but they won't be nearly as fast. On smooth, level surfaces on level, smooth surfaces, the wheelchair user must push the wheels using both hands to keep the momentum. This is done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing evenly with each hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims in order to avoid injuries and could lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is also advised that the wheelchair user test leaning back and forward to different degrees to determine an optimal balance between lean and control. For more difficult or challenging terrain, the wheelchair user should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people, and when they travel with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are prepared to assist if required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, the caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The wheelchair user should practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on a different surface, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily slide over if the technique is not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could reduce some of the pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is important to be aware that untrained people will often force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them back.