VA Health care Wheelchair Manual Handbook Download Page 3

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INTRODUCTION

Like cars, there are many different types of wheelchairs. Each type has a different

purpose. This guide will tell you about using a standard wheelchair. If your

wheelchair has special adaptations, you will want to go over these with your

therapist.

II.

PARTS OF THE WHEELCHAIR

Push Rims

Seat

Front Wheels
(castors)

Back or Push
Handles

Footrests

Leg

Rests

Arm rest

Brakes

Back Rest

Rear
Wheels

Summary of Contents for Wheelchair

Page 1: ...M Ma an nu ua al l W Wh he ee el lc ch ha ai ir r H Ha an nd db bo oo ok k Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Service Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center...

Page 2: ...and out of the wheelchair Pg 5 C Pushing the wheelchair on flat surfaces Pg 6 D Dealing with inclines and uneven surfaces Pg 7 i Crossing a threshold or obstacle Pg 7 ii Ramps Pg 9 iii Curbs Pg 11 E T...

Page 3: ...rpose This guide will tell you about using a standard wheelchair If your wheelchair has special adaptations you will want to go over these with your therapist II PARTS OF THE WHEELCHAIR Push Rims Seat...

Page 4: ...p slope so make sure you know how to remove them Footrests o The footrests can be knocked out of place easily o To fix them use a wrench to loosen the bolt on the side of the bar going to the footrest...

Page 5: ...air Make sure the antitippers are in place Point the front wheels forward when getting in or out of the wheelchair this is the most stable position B Transferring into and out of the wheelchair Helpfu...

Page 6: ...n Hold the wheel still on the side towards which you want to turn 2 By a helper Forward The helper will use the back push handles to push the wheelchair forward Backward The helper will use the back p...

Page 7: ...easier and safer to go over a threshold backward but of course then you can t see where you are going so look first Then back up until the rear wheels are against the threshold Lean forward and push...

Page 8: ...same time he she should use one knee to push forward on the back of the wheelchair Once the front wheels are over the threshold you can help by leaning forward and pushing forward strongly on the rear...

Page 9: ...e go up a ramp forward but that does mean the wheelchair can t tip over backward so a make sure the antitippers are in place b put your backpack in your lap and c lean forward 2 With a helper Go forwa...

Page 10: ...ds to put pressure on the rear wheels to slow the wheelchair down For extra safety you may want someone to walk alongside and just in front of the wheelchair 2 With a helper Your helper should hold on...

Page 11: ...helper Roll forward until both front wheels rest against the curb The helper should push down on the handles At the same time the helper should use one knee to push forward on the back of the wheelch...

Page 12: ...lper can use his her knee to brace the wheelchair Or he she can stand sideways and use his hip to help brace the chair being careful to protect the back by not twisting at the waist The helper should...

Page 13: ...ntact your public bus system If you are traveling by train make a reservation ahead of time letting them know that you use a wheelchair F Doorways tight turns and small spaces Doors Helpful Hints One...

Page 14: ...14 3 Swing around and enter the doorway 2 Back up as you pull door open 1 Move wheelchair around door...

Page 15: ...crossing that foot over the other will help take off the footrest in the direction towards which you want to turn Back in then you will have more maneuverability inside To turn into a doorway from a n...

Page 16: ...ssure sore by shifting your weight while in the wheelchair in other words take a load off from time to time Helpful Hints Try any of the following every 15 20 minutes to prevent a pressure sore a Lean...

Page 17: ...htm Illustrations Provided by Michelle Hiatt Michelle Morgan Nancy Pahel Kevin Caves and Katie Apibunyopas Funding Support to help develop this guide was provided by the National Institute on Disabil...

Page 18: ...es Room B2010 Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham NC 27705 Telephone 919 286 6874 or 1 888 878 6890 ext 6874 Office hours 8 00 AM 12 30 PM 1 00 PM 4 30 PM Created by Helen Hoenig MD MPH...