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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is important that you learn how to use your wheelchair and let occupational therapy or a doctor assist you in this. Wheelies are a very popular method to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and good grip strength to propel them forward. Seating Position As the name suggests, 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 keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those who are around them. It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are several things to do to ensure this. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests to make sure they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates. The footrest's height could require lower, particularly for people who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and cause discomfort and pain. A strap for the forehead can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright, particularly if they have neck muscles that are weak. These can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that do not have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure they are in the right position and that the user of the wheelchair can propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable height. It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if the person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown, or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some instances blisters and skin irritation can occur when sitting in one position for a long time. Repositioning the wheelchair regularly can reduce the chance of developing pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs enable users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for someone to push them. They are more maneuverable due to their larger rear wheels and push handles. They can travel on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. As you move forwards with your chair, take care not to grip the handle too hard. Overly pressure can cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. what is a self propelled wheelchair might also find it helpful to wear a handrim protector or a wheelchair glove with grip material built into the palms. This will help improve the position of your hands and increase the force you apply. It is crucial to keep the front casters free of debris such as sticks and rocks. If the casters have been covered with this type of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair, and could cause the loss of control and/or potential injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase extra padding on the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to assist you climb a curb or a small step. If you want to try this independently, more training and practice is required under the supervision of a healthcare professional. When you do this, it is essential to place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and position the front wheels just before the curb's edge. It is essential to leave plenty of space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will keep you from crashing into other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could be struck by other people. To prevent this from happening take care to be aware of people around you when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend prepared to help you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled chair requires the user to operate the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when on a slope as it is possible for the chair's 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 ensure that the hand is in the proper position, with the ideal being at ten o'clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two 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 shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint. To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping over in the reverse direction. Always refer to the user guide included with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair can traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily dismounted and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this case it is recommended that you ask a friend or family member to help and follow the instructions in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs come with a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It boosts the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will come to a stop which allows you to remove the footrests, prepare walking aids and safely leave the chair. Steering The user is accountable for steering and controlling the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in various ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or phone and drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair can manage. Small casters let a chair move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces but it will not be as swift. On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep the momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the hand rims, as this can cause injury and can lead to over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning backwards and forwards to find the best balance between control and lean. For more difficult or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is essential that the wheelchair user looks over their shoulders frequently to avoid hitting objects or other people. Also, when they travel with a caregiver, they must ensure that they are able to help when required. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the opposite rim back. The user of the wheelchair must practice this on smooth flat ground before attempting it on other surfaces because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this could take some of the pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is essential to be aware that untrained strangers will often force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.