Instructions on How to Use a Wheelchair
Learning to use a wheelchair, after so many years of walking on your own, takes a lot of courage and determination. My heart goes out to you as you relive - or try to forget - the experience that led to this.
It's time to move on now. As all brave people must, with life experiences.
And getting instructions on how to use a wheelchair for your mobility, is definitely a step in the right direction.
First, you need access to a well fitted, comfortable and functional wheelchair. It could be a manual, power or attendant-propelled one. You could borrow, rent or buy it.
Before you do anything else, apply the brakes. If it is a power wheelchair, turn it off. This will prevent the wheelchair from rolling away as you try to sit in it, causing a nasty accident.
When you are safely and comfortably sitted, release the brakes. Now you are ready to start rolling the wheelchair.
Instructions on How To Move Forward: Place your hands on the rims of the larger back wheels. Push the wheels forward. You will notice the wheelchair inch forward slowly. Let go of the wheel rims.
Repeat the motion, placing your hands on the larger back wheels and pushing them forward. Again and again. Pushing forward slowly, till you get the hang of it.
At first, you may find that you need to look at both wheels before pushing forward - That's O.K. With time, you will instinctively know where they are, and push without looking. Gaining speed with experience.
Instructions on How To Reverse or go Backwards: Place your hands on the larger back wheels again. Then, instead of pushing forward on them, pull the wheel rims backwards.
Instructions on How To Turn to the left or right on your wheelchair: This may be more tricky at first, but just practice doing it again and again. Soon you will get it.
Instructions on How To Turn Left in the Wheelchair: Hold the left back wheel firmly still. Don't move that. Instead, push forward against the rim of the right back wheel. This will cause the wheelchair to turn left. To turn right, do the opposite - right wheel firmly still, push only left wheel rim forward.
Also important is minding the simple wheelchair safety rules:
· Always apply brakes when you stop or park.
· Do not lean forward or backwards while sitting in the wheelchair. Rather, turn the wheelchair at an angle, such that you can pick objects up from the side.
· When going up a slope, lean forward slightly to balance your center of gravity, so you don't tip over backwards...
Best of luck as you take your first solo ride. Remember to practice before an experienced person or professional before going solo.
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