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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for people with limited walking abilities. It is crucial to know how to use your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you with this. Wheelies are a common method for moving in a wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands in order to reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs enable you to move independently and not depend on others. For many it is the only way to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to the person using the wheelchair and those around them. It is important that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To achieve this, there are several things you can do. First, the footplates should be in the correct position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests to place them in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates, and that there is enough pressure under their feet. 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 bones of the seat and cause discomfort and pain. A strap for the forehead can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a specialist in mobility and are compatible on wheelchairs that do not have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is important to ensure they are in a proper position and that the user of the wheelchair can move without hitting their arms as they move. It is best to use a wheelchair with swing-away or removable armrests to accomplish this. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests to raise them up to the desired height. A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially when a person who uses a wheelchair is at risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some cases, skin irritation and blisters can occur when being in one position for a long time. To minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be rotated regularly. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move independently, without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted on their sides. They can travel across a variety of surfaces, without having to worry about slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. When you are moving forward on your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. If you apply too much pressure, it could cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will improve your hand positioning and increase the amount of force you can apply. 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 can make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair, and could lead to an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding for the front casters. If you are climbing an unassuming step or a curb it is recommended you enlist the help of a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you want to do this independently, you will need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and set the front tires just before the edge. When pushing up a slope, it is essential to have a clear space ahead of you so that you don't run into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and could be struck by other people. You can avoid this by being aware of the people around you while on an upslope. Also, have a friend or caregiver ready to catch you if you begin to fall from your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled chair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when the chair is situated 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 right position when you push the wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o’clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body weight is over the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps to keep the strength of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. To turn right in a wheelchair move forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right so that you can remain seated. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping backwards. Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the highest level of safety your chair is able to traverse. In certain situations the wheelchair may need to be temporarily dismounted and operated with a hand to overcome steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the procedure outlined in the User Guide. When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. self propelled wheelchair with removable arms reduces the pressure on the front and back tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can also aid in this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the chair by around 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick to the side to release the motor, and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will then stop which allows you to remove the footrests, put in walking aids and safely exit the chair. Steering The user is the one responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. There are a variety of ways to do this, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters permit wheelchairs to move faster, but they struggle with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters will allow wheelchairs to travel on rough surfaces, but they isn't as fast. The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth flat surfaces to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them with both hands. Hands should not be tucked tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with various degrees of leaning forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean. The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and plan ahead for more difficult terrain. The wheelchair user should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver must assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of the wheelchair must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on a different surface because the movement could be uncomfortable and the chair might easily fall over if the motion isn't mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can help ease the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained strangers tend to push a wheelchair user against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them down.