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Issue_H November 2013 6 Dash Life
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 (315mm (12” wheel)
•
Occupant Propelled (22” or 24” wheel)
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.
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.
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 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 removed, 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 swung back 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.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON
SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
Fig 2
- Getting
in/out of the wheelchair
