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  5. Manual Handbook

VA Health Care Wheelchair Manual Handbook

Manual is about: Wheelchair

Summary of Wheelchair

  • Page 1

    M m a a n n u u a a l l w w h h e e e e l l c c h h a a i i r r h h a a n n d d b b o o o o k k physical medicine & rehabilitation service durham veterans affairs medical center.

  • Page 2

    2 table of contents i. Intro duction……………………………………………………………...Pg 3 ii. Parts of a wheelchair…………………………………………………...Pg 3 iii. Using your wh eelchair………………………………………………….Pg 5 a. Keeping from tipping over or falling out of the wheelchair …..Pg 5 b. Transferring into and out of the wheelchair …………………...Pg...

  • Page 3: Introduction

    3 i. 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 ...

  • Page 4

    4 antitippers : o these aren’t shown in the picture. O they are small wheels on the back of your wheelchair near the bottom to keep it from tipping over backward. O keep the antitippers on most of the time. They can get in the way sometimes when going backwards down a steep slope, so make sure you k...

  • Page 5: Wheelchair:

    5 iii. Using your wheelchair a. Keeping from tipping over or falling out of the wheelchair:  helpful hints when going uphill, lean forward to avoid tipping over backward. When going downhill, lean back to avoid falling forward out of your wheelchair. Make sure the antitippers are in place. Point th...

  • Page 6

    6 c. Pushing the wheelchair on flat surfaces: 1. By yourself: forward: start with your hands at 11 o’clock, then move them forward to 2 o’clock. Repeat. Backwards: just reverse the forward process. Turning: push on the wheel on the opposite side of the way you want to turn. Hold the wheel still on t...

  • Page 7

    7 d. Dealing with inclines and uneven surfaces: as everyone since columbus knows, the world isn’t flat. There are doors to get through, curbs to mount, and lawns to cross. Your wheelchair can help you with all of these, once you learn some special skills. Crossing a threshold or obstacle 1. Backward...

  • Page 8

    8 3. Forward with a helper : to get the front wheels over the threshold, the helper should pull back on the rear handles. At the 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 pushi...

  • Page 9

    9 ramps ramps are there to help people using wheelchairs, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to use. When going up a ramp 1. By yourself : most people 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...

  • Page 10

    10  helpful hints: if your front wheels lift off the ramp or hill, it is too steep for you to go up alone – get help. If you need to rest while going up a hill or ramp, turn sideways to the slope. If you use your feet to help propel the wheelchair, try going up backwards! If you push up hills often...

  • Page 11

    11 curbs going up a curb: 1. By yourself : most people will want help getting up a curb. If you want to learn how to mount curbs by yourself, you will need to learn how to “pop a wheelie.” ask your therapist if this is something you can do. 2. With a helper : roll forward until both front wheels res...

  • Page 12

    12 going down a curb: 1. By yourself : most people will want help getting up a curb. If you want to try it yourself, it is best to go down backward. Hold on to the rear wheels and lean forward to slow the chair down. 2. With a helper : your helper can use his/her knee to brace the wheelchair. Or he/...

  • Page 13: E. Transportation

    13 e. Transportation using public and private transportation with a wheelchair can be a challenge. But with a little thought and planning you will still be able to use most forms of transportation.  helpful hints cars: take off the footrests and armrests. Fold the wheelchair. If it is still too hea...

  • 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

    15 tight spaces  helpful hints take off your footrests. This makes the wheelchair shorter so it takes less space. Even taking off one footrest and 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 ...

  • Page 16

    16 iv. Pressure sores (“bed sores”) if you are in your wheelchair for more than 1 or 2 hours at a time, you could get a pressure sore. You can prevent a pressure 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 th...

  • Page 17: Acknowledgements

    17 v. Acknowledgements text:  written by: dr. Helen hoenig with editorial assistance by christy cone and michelle morgan.  inspired by: the book, the manual wheelchair training guide by peter axelson, denise yamada chesney, jean minkel, and anita perr and the dalhousie university website, www.Whee...

  • Page 18: VI.  How To Contact Us

    18 vi. How to contact us for general questions, concerns, or to make an appointment, contact the physical therapy & rehabilitation service (pm&rs): rehabilitation services (room b2010) durham va medical center 508 fulton street durham, nc 27705 telephone: 919-286-6874 (or) 1-888-878-6890 ext. 6874 o...