R Healthcare
Modular
User Guide
Page
19
November 2013 Revision F
www.rhealthcare.co.uk
2.2
GETTING IN AND OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR FACING FORWARDS
For maximum safety, these operations should be carried out with the
help of an attendant. The occupant should always try to assist the
attendant wherever possible to share the total effort.
Carers should not attempt to lift without help.
If this is not possible a hoist may be required.
Getting into the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, flip up the footplates, taking care
that the heel support straps (if fitted) are not jammed against the
footrest support frame. On some models, footrests may be detached or
swung away for easier access.
Note that when footrests are detached, the mounting swivels
remain exposed, and care should be taken to avoid the occupant
catching these accidentally.
The occupant may be able to help by pushing on the armrests to
provide support whilst being lowered into the seat. Finally, push the
footplates down, and locate the occupant’s feet on them.
see fig 1.
Getting out of the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on
,
then flip up the footrests or detach
them. The occupant should place a hand on each armrest, bend
slightly forward and place both feet well back and firmly on the ground,
then push upwards to assist the carer.
2.3
SIDE TRANSFER
When the wheelchair armrest is removed, it will allow sideways entry to
the chair and vice versa, from another chair or car seat.
see fig 2.
Physically active Independent users with upper body and arm strength
should eventually develop skill to carry out this manoeuvre without
help. However, it is advisable that an attendant should be available if
assistance becomes necessary.
Make sure the brakes are on, or that the wheelchair is prevented from
moving, It is easier to transfer when flip up footrest assemblies are
swung back out of the way, or removed so as not to interfere with the
legs. Fixed frame wheelchairs with foot bars, which do not have
protruding brackets and footplates, allow side transfer without the need
for footrest removal. Feet should be firmly on the ground and not on
the footrest. The safest way to transfer is to bend slightly forward.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it may help to slide
along a smooth transfer board, or to use some other lever point such
as a car hand grip for additional support whilst manoeuvring from one
seat to the other.
