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How to Use a Self Propelled WheelchairWheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is essential to master the use of your wheelchair, and have an occupational therapist or doctor help you in this.Wheelies are a common method for moving a wheelchair. This requires the client to have large hands to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel forward.Seating PositionSelf 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 keeping it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the user of the wheelchair and those in the vicinity.It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. There are many things to do to ensure this. First, ensure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest latch and then move the footrests so they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair user is able to put their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure under their feet.It could be necessary to lower the height of the footrest particularly if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and cause pain and discomfort.A forehead strap can be used to help keep the user of a wheelchair upright particularly for those with neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted by a mobility specialist and are compatible with wheelchairs that don't have headrests.It is essential that if the chair has armrests that they are in a good position so that the user of the wheelchair doesn't hit them with their arms when they move. To achieve this, it is best to use wheelchairs that have removable or swing away armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and glued to the back of the armrest to elevate them to a more comfortable height.A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is important, especially if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surfaces of the wheelchair. In some cases, the skin can become dry and irritated due to sitting in the same position for a long period of time and can also cause blisters. To reduce the chances of pressure ulcers, the wheelchair should be repositioned frequently.PushingSelf-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move themselves independently and without the need of someone to push them. They are more maneuverable because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. They can be used across many surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck.As you move forwards with your chair, be careful not to hold the handle too tightly. A lot of pressure can cause your hands to tighten and reduce the amount of force you are able to apply. You might also find it helpful to use a handrim cover or wheelchair gloves that have grip materials built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you apply.It is essential to keep the front casters free of debris such as rocks and sticks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move in the manner you would from your wheelchair and can cause an uncontrolled movement and/or potential injury. If the height of your seat to floor is very high, you might be thinking about adding 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'd like to do this on your own, you'll require more instruction and practice under the supervision of an expert in health care. When you are doing this, it is crucial that you place the wheelchair facing directly towards (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and place the front wheels just before the curb's edge.It is crucial to leave enough space in the front of you when going up a hill. This will keep you from running into other people. If you don't have clear space ahead of you, you will gain speed very quickly and might be struck by other people. To avoid www.mymobilityscooters.uk make sure you are aware of the people around you when you are on a slope. Also, have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in the event you begin to fall out of your wheelchair.BrakingA self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to operate the braking and controlling actions in a certain way to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly important when the chair is on a slope, as the center of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled way.Always ensure that your hand is in the right position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is on the rear wheels and facilitates the smoothest, most simple push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder wrist, elbow and elbow joint.To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim and then pull back the left rim. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay seated. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.Consult the user guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. In this situation it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide.It is recommended to use ramps when negotiating kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, which will allow you to traverse the kerb at a faster speed. The kerb climber option on many manual wheelchairs can assist with this process by increasing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4").To stop a wheel chair simply release the brakes and push the joystick towards you. This will de-clutch motor. The wheelchair will then come to a halt which allows you to remove the footrests, set up walking aids and get out of the chair.SteeringIf you are using a self-propelled wheelchair, the user is responsible for steering and controlling the. There are many ways to accomplish this dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and add-ons such as armrests or phone/drink holders. Wheelchairs vary in design and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters on a wheelchair will determine the terrain it can handle. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move faster but struggle on rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow wheelchairs to travel 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 the momentum. This is accomplished by grabbing the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the hand rims because this could cause injuries and cause over-corrections when the chair makes in a circle. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair test leaning forward and backwards to different extents to determine an optimum balance between lean and control.The person using a wheelchair must anticipate obstacles and prepare for more challenging terrain. The wheelchair user should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid running into objects or other people. If they travel with a caregiver, they must be ready to assist if required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be pushed or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar in this.To turn to turn, the user pulls one hand's rim back while pushing the other rim forwards. It is recommended to practice on a smooth, flat surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair may tip over if it is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning easier. It is also beneficial to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers can try to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, therefore the user of a wheelchair must ensure that their handle folds down or cover them with covers for the handles.