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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those who have difficulty walking. It is important that you master the use of your wheelchair, and have occupational therapy or a doctor assist you with this. Wheelies are a very popular method for moving a wheelchair. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able to span the rims, and have enough grip strength to propel it forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs allow you to be able to move on your own and not rely on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them. It is crucial that the seating position of the chair is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are several ways to go about it. First, make sure that the footplates are in the right position. Lift the latch for the footrests and move the footrests so they are facing the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they could cause pressure on the bones of the seat and cause discomfort and pain. A forehead strap can help keep the wheelchair user upright especially if they suffer from weak neck muscles. These can be fitted to wheelchairs without headrests by a specialist in mobility. 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. To ensure this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable height. A properly-fitting cushion for a wheelchair is crucial, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. These are because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some cases skin irritation and blisters can develop when sitting in a single position for a long period of time. To minimize the risk of pressure ulcers, the chair should be moved regularly. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves and eliminate the need for another person to push them. They are more maneuverable because they are equipped with larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. When you are moving forward on your chair, make sure not to hold the handle too tightly. Too much pressure can cause your hands cramp and reduce how much force you can apply. You can also use wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material in the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you use. It is essential to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to help you go up a curb or just a tiny step. If all terrain self propelled wheelchair uk want to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When doing this, it is essential to place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or a small step and place the front wheels near the edge of the curb. It is essential to have enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will stop you from colliding with other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you'll accelerate quickly and may be struck by other people. To avoid this make sure you are aware of the people around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer prepared to help you in the event that you begin to fall off your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to perform the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward in the event that the braking mechanism is not applied in a controlled way. Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 o'clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is on the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, most effortless push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint. To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair to the right and allow you to remain seated. Wheelchairs can also be equipped with anti-tip bars to stop the wheelchair from tipping over backwards. Refer to the user's manual that comes with your wheelchair for the most safe slope your chair can traverse. In some instances the wheelchair might need to be removed temporarily and operated with a hand to climb steep slopes. If this is the case, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you remove and mount your vehicle using ramps whenever possible. This will minimize the amount of pressure needed on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to travel over the kerb at a greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, gently release the brakes and then push the joystick toward you. This will release the clutch motor. 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 controlling and steering. This can be done in different ways depending on the structure of the chair and any accessories such as armrests or phone or drink holders. Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size of a wheelchair's front casters can determine the terrain it will handle. Small casters allow a chair to move faster but they struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters permit wheelchairs to glide over these rough surfaces but the chair will not be as swift. On smooth and level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to keep momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of the hand, as this can cause injuries and could cause over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair makes a turn. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backward to different extents to determine an optimal balance between lean and control. For more difficult or challenging terrain wheelchair users must prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair look over his or her shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, in the event that they are traveling with a caregiver, they must make sure that they are ready to assist if needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn, the wheelchair user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other hand forwards. The user of a wheelchair must practice this on smooth, level ground before trying it on other surfaces, as the motion may be uncomfortable and the chair could easily fall over if the motion is not mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can ease the pressure on the user and help with turning. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers can try to push a person who is in wheelchair against their will, so the user of the wheelchair must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.