자유게시판

• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair

Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limitations in walking. It is important to learn how to maneuver your chair and to get a therapist or occupational therapist to teach you how to use a self propelled wheelchair to use it.

Wheelies are a very popular method for moving in a wheelchair. The client must have large hands to be able extend the rims of the wheelchair, and grip strength to propel it forward.

Seating Position

Self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move independently and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to recovering or maintaining their independence. It also reduces the risk of injury to the user of the transit wheelchair vs self propelled and those in the vicinity.

The wheelchair user must be comfortable in the chair. To accomplish this, there are several options you can take. First, the footplates must be in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them round so that they are on the front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and there is even pressure on their feet.

It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest, especially if the user is hemiplegic. The footrests may increase the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause pain and discomfort if they are too high.

A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay straight, particularly if their neck muscles are weak. These can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a mobility expert.

It is important that if the wheelchair has armrests that they are in an appropriate position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. It is recommended to use an armrest that what is a self propelled wheelchair removable or swing-away armrests to accomplish this. You can also attach foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to a more comfortable height.

A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is essential, particularly for those who are at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against surfaces of the wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become dry and irritated because of sitting in a single position for a long period of time. This can cause blisters. To reduce the chances of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be repositioned frequently.

Pushing

Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for a person to push them. They are a lot easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs due to the fact that they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that are fitted to the wheels. They can travel across a variety of surfaces, without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.

Be careful not to grip your 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 could also consider using 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 use.

Keep the front casters clear of any debris, like sticks or rocks. This material could make it difficult to move your wheelchair as you would think. It could also lead to an increase in control or injuries. If you have a very high seat to floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding on the front casters.

When climbing an unassuming step or a curb, it is recommended that you have a person with you to push the wheelchair assistance. If you'd like to do this on your own, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. It is important to position the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) towards the curb or with small steps and position the front tires just prior to the edge.

It is important to have enough space in the space in front of you when moving up an uphill. This will keep you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll gain speed very quickly and may be struck by other people. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of the people who are around you on the slope. Also, you should have someone with you to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.

Braking

A self propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is especially important when you are on a slope since it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not performed in a controlled way.

When pushing a wheelchair always make sure that the hand is placed in the correct position, usually at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel, and then releasing at two 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 shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.

To turn right in a wheelchair you need to push forward on the right-hand rim and pull the left-hand How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain seated in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also equipped with anti-tip bars which prevent the wheelchair from tipping in the reverse direction.

Always refer to the user guide that comes with your chair to determine the safest slope your chair is able to traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. In this case it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the directions in the User Guide.

When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps whenever possible. This reduces 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 can aid in this process by enhancing the ability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").

To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick inward towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop, and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before safely exiting the chair.

Steering

When using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling. There are many ways to accomplish this, depending on the wheelchair structure and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs differ in their structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters of a wheelchair can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters let a chair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters allow a wheelchair to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as quick.

On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain momentum. This is done by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims, as this can cause injury and can cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning forwards and backwards to find the ideal balance between control and lean.

For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The wheelchair user should be aware of their shoulders and avoid running into objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be ready to help when required. If the wheelchair is to be used on an inclined slope, it must be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar with this.

To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand rim back while pushing the other forwards. The user of the wheelchair must practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on any other surface as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily fall over if the motion isn't mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will take some of the pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is also helpful to know that even well-meaning but untrained strangers can try to push someone in a wheelchair against their will, so the wheelchair user must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.