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Issue_B November 2015 7 Dash Stowaway
Carers should not attempt to lift without help.
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.
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 2.
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.
6.2 SIDE TRANSFER
When the wheelchair armrest
is pivoted as shown; it will
allow sideways entry to the
chair and vice versa, from
another chair or car seat.
See
fig 3.
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 pivoted up
out of the way, or removed so as not to interfere with the
legs. Feet should be firmly on the ground and not on the
footrest. The safest way to transfer is to bend slightly
forward. 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.
Fig 2
- Getting
in/out of the wheelchair
6.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The type of wheelchair, and attachment features,
provided will be different according to individual user
requirements, and clinical assessment of need. In many
cases the result will be a compromise solution.
Some modular wheelchairs can be set up or finely
adjusted to suit user needs. Users should contact their
approved distributor if they are having problem in using
their wheelchair, a simple adjustment or alternative build
configuration may help to resolve the problem.
R Healthcare manual wheelchairs can be divided into two
broad categories.
Attendant Propelled
Occupant Propelled
Note:- The model Stowaway is only offered in an
Attendant version
This general information section covers safety issues of
wheelchair use covering all of these.
Please read carefully together with all other information
provided, covering the specific model supplied, which will
give particular details of the wheelchair features and
construction, methods of operation and correct setting
methods.
INTRODUCTION & OPENING THE PRODUCT
PACKAGE
Factors considered in selecting a wheelchair apply to
both occupants and carers and include:
method of propulsion
seating position
occupant size and weight
physical ability of occupant and carer ( where
applicable )
ease of use
environment
safety
degree of independence
costs
Clinical Assessment teams have a responsibility to
provide the wheelchair occupant and carer, where
applicable, with a means of achieving effective mobility,
bearing in mind all the above considerations.
There are many different types and variations of
wheelchairs available today. It may not be possible to
satisfy all requirements and environments with one chair
for every need
of the occupant (and carer) for home,
travel or work.
6.1 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.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON
SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
