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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 to learn how to maneuver your chair and have a doctor/occupational therapist help guide you in this area. Wheelies are a common method for moving the wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands large enough to span these rims and have strong grip strength to propel forward. Seating Position Like the name suggests self-propelled wheelchairs allows you to move around and not rely on others. This is the most important factor for many who want to regain their independence or retaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury for the wheelchair user as well as those surrounding them. It is crucial that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are self propelled wheelchair with elevated leg rest to ensure this. First, the footplates should be placed in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them round so that they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates. The footrest height may need lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests aren't high enough, they could cause pressure on the spine and increase pain and discomfort. A forehead strap can help keep the user upright in their wheelchair, particularly if they have weak neck muscles. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that don't have headrests. If the wheelchair has armrests it is crucial to ensure that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can move without hitting them with their arms while they move. It is best to use an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable level. It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a comfortable cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user has a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It can cause blisters. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and eliminate the need for someone else to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have bigger rear wheels and push handles fitted on their sides. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck. Be cautious not to grip the chair handle too tightly as you move forward. Too much pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip material that is built into the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply. It is essential to keep the front casters clear of any debris, such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it may make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and could cause the loss of control or even injury. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it could be beneficial to put some additional padding for the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a curb or an easy step. If you wish to attempt this on your own, further training and experience is required under the supervision of a health professional. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or 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 path ahead of you to ensure you don't get in the way of other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll increase speed quickly and may collide with other people. You can avoid this by being aware of people who are around you on the slope. Also, you should have an adult or caregiver available to assist you in case you fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is secure, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a particular manner. This is particularly important when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not performed in a controlled way. Always ensure that your hand is in the proper position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 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 integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. To turn right with a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This will turn the wheelchair left, allowing you to stay seated. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the chair from tipping forwards. Check the user's guide that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can travel. In some circumstances the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep gradients. In this case it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member for assistance and follow the steps in the User Guide. When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended to take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever you are able to. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to travel over the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option available on many manual wheelchairs can aid in this process by increasing the capacity of the wheelchair by approximately 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests and prepare walking aids before getting out of the chair. Steering If you are using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be done in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters can help a wheelchair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters can let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it will not be as swift. The user of a wheelchair must use both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand since this can cause injury and result in over-corrections as the chair turns a turn. It is recommended that the user of a wheelchair experiment with leaning forward and backward to different extents in order to find an optimal balance between leaning and control. For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users must be prepared and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they should be ready 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 must pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair may fall over if not mastered. The wheelchair's power wheels can ease the burden on the user and make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of the wheelchair should ensure that the handle folds down or cover them with handles covers.