HENRY Attendant Propelled, Pushchairs and Buggies, Occupant Propelled Instructions Manual

Nov 1998 Rev 2

Section 2 Index

MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS

GENERAL GUIDE AND SAFETY INFORMATION

THIS INFORMATION IS APPLICABLE TO ALL MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS

IT SHOULD BE READ BY BOTH OCCUPANTS AND CARERS WITH ALL OTHER

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BEFORE ANYONE ATTEMPTS TO USE THE CHAIR

THE PURPOSE OF A WHEELCHAIR IS TO PROVIDE FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY FOR

PEOPLE WHO CANNOT, OR FIND IT DIFFICULT TO WALK.

Factors considered in selecting a wheelchair apply to both occupants and carers

and include:

• method of propulsion

• seating position

• occupant size and weight

• physical ability of occupant and carer ( where applicable )

• ease of use

• environment

• safety

• degree of independence

• transportation

• costs

Clinical Assessment teams have a responsibility to provide the wheelchair

occupant and carer, where applicable, with a means of acheiving effective
mobility, bearing in mind all the above considerations.

There are many different types and variations of wheelchairs available today. It

may not be possible to satisfy all requirements and environments with one chair
for every need of the occupant (and carer) for home, travel or work.

HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions

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Nov 1998 Rev 2

Section 2 Index

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The type of wheelchair, and attachment features, provided will be different

according to individual user requirements, and clinical assessment of need.

In many cases the result will be a compromise solution.
Some modular wheelchairs can be set up or finely adjusted to suit user needs.

Users should contact their approved distributor if they are having problem in using
their wheelchair, a simple adjustment or alternative build configuration may help to
resolve the problem.

Remploy manual wheelchairs can be divided into three broad categories.

• Attendant Propelled

• Occupant Propelled

• Pushchairs and Buggies
This general information section covers safety issues of wheelchair use covering

all of these.

Please read carefully together with all other information provided, covering the

specific model supplied, which will give particular details of the wheelchair
features and construction, methods of operation and correct setting methods.

HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions

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Nov 1998 Rev 2

2.1.2 GETTING IN AND OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR FACING FORWARDS

Section 2 Index

For maximum safety, these operations should be carried out with the help of an

attendant. The occupant should always try to assist the attendant wherever
possible to share the total effort. Carers should not attempt to lift without help.

If this is not possible a hoist may be required.

Getting into the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, flip up the foot plates, taking care that the heel

support straps (if fitted) are not jammed against the footrest support frame. On
some models, footrests may be detached or swung away for easier access. Note
that when footrests are detached, the mounting swivels remain exposed, and care
should be taken to avoid the occupant catching these accidentally.

The occupant may be able to help by pushing on the armrests to provide support

whilst being lowered into the seat. Finally, push the footplates down, and locate
the occupant`s feet on them. see fig 1.

Getting out of the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, then flip up the footrests or detach them as in

section 2.1. The occupant should place a hand on each armrest, bend slightly
forward and place both feet well back and firmly on the ground, then push
upwards to assist the carer.

2.1.3 SIDE TRANSFER

When the wheelchair armrest is removed, it will allow sideways entry to the chair

and vice versa, from another chair or car seat. see fig 2. Physically active
Independent users with upper body and arm strength should eventually develop
skill to carry out this manoeuvre without help. However, it is advisable that an
attendant should be available if assistance becomes necessary.

Make sure the brakes are on, or that the wheelchair is prevented from moving, It

is easier to transfer when flip up footrest assemblies are swung back out of the
way, or removed so as not to interfere with the legs. Fixed frame wheelchairs with
foot bars, which do not have protruding brackets and footplates, allow side
transfer without the need for footrest removal. Feet should be firmly on the ground
and not on the footrest. The safest way to transfer is to bend slightly forward.

DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS

If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it may help to slide along a

smooth transfer board, or to use some other lever point such as a car hand grip
for additional support whilst manoeuvring from one seat to the other.

HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions

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Nov 1998 Rev 2

Section 2 Index

Figure 1 - Getting in/out of the wheelchair

Figure 2 - Side Transfer

Figure 3 - Maintain a firm grip on the push handles

Figure 4 - Attendant Control

HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions

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Nov 1998 Rev 2

2.1.4 BRAKES Section 2 Index

Hand brakes are provided for preventing wheel movement when parked,
particularly on a slope, or during occupant transfer to and from the wheelchair.
The action of a brake shoe pressing on the tyre makes correct inflation pressure
important, see section 12.1.

Cable operated hub brakes are an option available for mounting on the push
handles to allow the attendant to control the chair without having to reach down
for the hand brake handle. These may also provide the attendant with a means of
controlling the speed of a wheelchair when going downhill, and are a safety
improvement on slopes and undulating terrain, as described in section 5.
Operating the wheelchair in this way however, demands that the attendant is
skilled in the controlling operation, as a sudden change in direction will result if
one wheel is retarded in advance of the other.

2.1.5 PUSHING TECHNIQUES

Pushing a wheelchair with a helpful occupant can be an enjoyment for both

people involved provided that there is mutual confidence and understanding.

When first planning a trip, the pusher should check the distance and terrain to be

covered, bearing in mind that a slope going out is a hill coming back. A
combination of slope and camber is common in many areas. Try the chair out on
typical surface conditions nearby, and practice manoeuvres likely to be
encountered on a longer trip.

The pusher should be familiar with the operation of the wheelchair, remembering

to put the brakes on and steady the chair before the occupant gets in and out.
Where applicable, detachable features such as push handles and armrests
should be checked for security, before setting out on a journey. The occupant
should not be rushed during transferring in and out of the chair.

Before setting off, the pusher should make sure that the occupant is comfortable

and that clothes, rugs, covers etc do not catch in the wheels.

The pusher should walk at a sensible speed, and tell the occupant before

changing position, tipping the chair or manoeuvring, also paying attention to the
surface conditions and avoiding uneven or soft ground wherever possible.

The pusher should always maintain a firm grip on the push handles. The chair

should not be jolted or jarred, or rocked like a pram. see figs 3 &4.

Shopping bags or other additional heavy loads should not be carried in a

wheelchair unless specifically designed for the purpose. This particularly applies
to hanging items over the push handles, which can overload the chair and affect
stability resulting in injury if the occupant tips out of the chair when it is left
unattended momentarily.

HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions

Source-remobility.net

Nov 1998 Rev 2

Fig. 6.

going down a kerb

finish position

Fig. 5.

going down a kerb

start position

make sure that the
front end of the chair
is lowered slowly to
the floor, and that the
castors are pointing to
the rear.

castors with
small wheels, are
more liable to dig
in, than large
wheels, and
require extra
care in use.

HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions

Source-remobility.net