When it comes to feeling comfortable in your new chair, a few factors, including the type of wheelchair you’re using and your previous chair-use experience, come into play.
If you’re a first-time wheelchair user, have no fear! It may seem challenging for the first few weeks, but you’ll be an expert in no time.
If you’re a first-time wheelchair user, have no fear! It may seem challenging for the first few weeks, but you’ll be an expert in no time.
Here are our top five beginner tips to feeling at home in your new chair:
Read the Instruction Manual
It seems like the last thing you’d want to do when embarking on the world in your new chair, but it can be very helpful!
Your instruction manual will give you information on all the unique features and functions of your wheelchair, making it a great place to start.
Follow these basic guidelines to sit
Make sure you have the brakes locked in place, so the chair doesn’t move around as you go to sit.
Fold the footplates to the side to give you more room as you sit.
Brace yourself on the armrests while sitting.
Fold your footplates back in and disengage the breaks once seated.
Practice it
Now that you’ve got down the basics, it’s time for practice to make perfect!
Make any adjustments you may need to the backrest or seat as you go, add or take away pillows, and take the time to ensure your chair is customized to your comfort.
A well-fitted chair will make all the difference in the long run!
Get going!
Seated and comfortable? You’re ready to get a move on!
If you’re utilizing a manual chair, grip the handrails tightly and roll them forward or backward to move forward or back, respectively.
To turn, hold one wheel in place and roll the other forward to swivel (moving the right wheel to turn left and the left wheel to turn right.
You’ll get the hang of it, we promise!)
Don’t forget to practice at home before heading outside, and remember to avoid glass or other debris that could puncture your tires.
Getting back out of your chair
To get back out of your chair, first make sure you’re near your next desired location, like a chair.
Then, reverse the steps in #2 by engaging your breaks, folding your footplates out and bracing yourself on the armrests to stand.
How long will it be before I’m used to my new chair?
Timing will depend on your level of experience and your illness or injury.
However, here are a few tips to help speed the process of becoming accustomed to your new wheelchair along:
Utilize gloves when operating your wheelchair to avoid uncomfortable blisters.
Remember to use cushions to make your new ride as comfortable for you as possible.
Exercise your upper body.
Keep in mind that the muscles in your upper body will be doing most of the work to operate your chair.
Doing a few strength training exercises a day to help build up the muscle in these areas will help you be cruising in no time!
