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Parts of a Wheelchair
Having the ability to move from one place to another plays an important role in helping people with disabilities integrate into the society. Many of them rely on wheelchair for mobility and they use it to move within their home as well as getting around in the community to perform their activities of daily living. More often than not, caregivers will need to assist in handling the wheelchair if the individuals are unable to do so. Our occupational therapist Mr Ng Shixian shows the safe and proper manner of handling the wheelchair that will prevent injury to both the caregivers and its users.
1. Before pushing the wheelchair,
- ALWAYS ASK before providing assistance.
- Ensure his feet are on the foot plate.
- Ensure that his arms are not dangling out of the armrests.
- Ensure that you unlock the brakes.
2. Make sure the seat belt (if any) is fastened before moving off.
3. DO NOT push the wheelchair quickly.
4. When turning at a sharp corner, reduce speed to avoid tipping over.
5. Always maintain at least ONE wheelchair length behind another “pusher”
6. Apply the brakes whenever the wheelchair is stationary.
7. If possible, try to move the wheelchair on the pedestrian pavement rather than on the main road.
8. Look ahead to avoid sudden changes in level and other hazards.
9. Look out for drain gratings and approach in a diagonal manner.
10. Always ask the person with disabilities if he is comfortable after you reach the designated destination.
Overcoming a kerb – going up a kerb
Push the wheelchair to the kerb such that both front castors touch the kerb.
%2008112013.jpg "Photo of step: Push the wheelchair to the kerb such that both front castors touch the kerb.")
Alert wheelchair user that you are going to tilt the wheelchair then step down on tipping lever and push down on handles to tilt the wheelchair back just enough for the front castors to clear the kerbs.
%2008112013.jpg "Photo showing step: Alert wheelchair user that you are going to tilt the wheelchair then step down on tipping lever and push down on handles to tilt the wheelchair back just enough for the front castors to clear the kerbs.")
Push the wheelchair forward and bring the castors down on the kerb.
%2008112013.jpg "Photo showing step: Push the wheelchair forward and bring the castors down on the kerb.")
Overcoming a kerb – going down a kerb
%2008112013.jpg "Photo showing steps: Inform the wheelchair-user of descent. Position the wheelchair such that the rear wheels are nearer to the edge of kerb. Pull wheelchair close to edge of kerb.")
Gently lower the rear wheels. Control the descent down the kerb while keeping the wheelchair tilted.
%2008112013.jpg "Photo showing step: Gently lower the rear wheels. Control the descent down the kerb while keeping the wheelchair tilted.")
Once the rear wheels touch the ground, continue pulling the wheelchair backward until the front castors clear the kerb.
%20008112013.jpg "Photo showing step: Once the rear wheels touch the ground, continue pulling the wheelchair backward until the front castors clear the kerb.")
Gently lower the wheelchair from the tilted position.
%20081120133.jpg "Photo showing step: Gently lower the wheelchair from the tilted position.")
Alternatively, a video on the above can be found at here.
