8
Wheelchair Assistance
Practical Use
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair.
These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, the centre of gravity and weight
distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your particular safety limits, activities
involving reaching, bending and transferring should first be practised with a qualified health care
professional.
Tilting
WARNING!
Do not tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
1. The attendant should grasp the push handles securely, making sure that
the handle grips are firmly attached.
2. Inform the chair occupant before tilting the chair and remind him/her to
lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.
3. Place one foot on the tipping lever and apply a continuous motion until the balance point is achieved.
At this point, the attendant will feel a difference in weight distribution (this usually occurs at about
14° angle).
4. Turn the wheelchair in the direction required.
5. Lower the front end, placing one foot on the tipping lever and grasping the push handles to slowly
lower to the ground.
NOTE: After mastering the techniques of tilting the chair, use this procedure to tackle kerbs, steps, etc.
Kerbs
1. The attendant should stand on the pavement and turn the chair so that the
rear wheels are against the kerb.
2. The chair should be tilted back to the balance point and in one continuous
movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the kerb.
NOTE: We recommend that two attendants are utilised for this procedure
KERB TILT
ALWAYS
USE THE
TIPPING
LEVER