The content included in the video and comment section is general information only. Equipment and individual circumstances will vary. Always refer to and review an equipment manual for specifics on use and safety of your piece of medical equipment. Please consult with a local Physical or Occupational Therapist regarding your specific circumstances and use of medical equipment.
In this video we will learn how to maneuver a standard wheelchair.
Transporting a Client in a Wheelchair
- Instruct them to keep their hands/arms/elbows inside the wheelchair armrests, encourage them to fold their arms in their lap
- If available, have them keep their feet on the footrests, if not give continuous reminders for them to hold their feet up during transport
- Use caution when pushing the wheelchair over thresholds and rough surfaces
Moving the Wheelchair While Empty
- Lift footrests to up position
- Fold wheelchair up by pulling up on the back of the seat
- Tip slightly backwards, lifting front wheels in order to maneuver on back wheels only
Instructing a Client on How to Maneuver a Wheelchair
- Moving forward- push forward evenly on both hand rims on the wheels
- Moving backward- pull backward evenly on both hand rims on the wheels
- Moving left- push forward with the right hand and pull back with the left hand evenly on the hand rims of the wheels
- Moving right- push forward with the left hand and pull back with the right hand evenly on the hand rims of the wheels
- Moving the wheelchair right and left can be achieved by pushing forward with the opposite hand, the turn is just not as sharp
- An individual may move themselves throughout the home in a wheelchair forward or backward with their feet. If the individual typically pushes the wheelchair backwards, the wheelchair needs anti-tip bars on the back of the wheelchair for safety