Basic Techniques of Wheelchair Maneuvering

For the physically disabled or elderly, use of wheelchair is common. Using wheelchairs properly can ensure safety of wheelchair users and caregivers. Here are some notes for your reference.

1. Unfolding a wheelchair

• Hands on both sides of the seat bracket
• Push the seat downwards to unfold the wheelchair
  

2. Folding a wheelchair

• Fold up leg rests
• Pull the seat up in the center
• Fold the wheelchair
• Grab on solid parts for transport
  

3. For wheelchair users

Wheelchair maneuvering: Use a large-range, but low-frequency approach. Large range means that the initial and final contact points on the wheels at 2:00 and 11:00 positions respectively.

4. For caregivers

• Wheelchair maneuvering: Keep the back straight while maneuvering the wheelchair.
• Transferring a patient in and out a wheelchair: Remove or fold up the footrests before transferring the patient to the wheelchair. Shorten the distance between the patient and the caregiver to reduce the loading of the back during transfer.
• Carrying a wheelchair: Remove some parts of the wheelchair to reduce weight before lifting it up.

• Going up a curb
• Get close to the curb
  • Push the handles downwards.
  • Tilt the wheelchair backward by stepping on the foot lever; let front wheels go up the curb.
  • Put the foot back onto the ground and hold the handles.
  • Keep the back straight, raise the wheelchair and push it forward.
    
• Going down a curb
  • Keep the back straight
  • Down the curb by backward approach
  • Get close to the curb with rear wheels
  • pull backward to let rear wheels get off the curb
  • Pull the wheelchair backward until front wheels are close to the curb
  • Keep the back straight, pull the wheelchair backward until front wheels are off the curb
    

Safety Tips

1. Opening and closing: Be careful of Don’t get caught in the gaps between the brackets.
2. Getting in and out:
   Prevent sliding: put on handbrakes on both sides.
   Prevent tripping: fold up footrests.
3. Sitting position: Sit close to the backrest. Keep the feet on footrests to prevent tipping over.
4. Parked Wheelchair: Make sure handbrakes are engaged while parking. Beware of the road ramp.
5. Hanging objects: Avoid hanging too many objects behind the backrest. It increases risk of flipping over due to shifting the center of gravity backwards.
6. Steady speed: Pay attention to the surrounding, push the wheelchair steadily. Avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration. Put on the seat belt to increase stability.
7. Limbs Protection: Always keep the limbs inside the wheelchair, especially in tight space. Wear protective gloves and shoes.
8. Picking up objects: Use one hand to hold onto the armrest and use a long-handled clipper to pick up objects.
9. Realizing capabilities and limitations: Find someone to help if you find yourself in a difficult situation, such as the road being too steep or the curb being too high.
10. Escalators: Use lifts instead of escalators.

(All information provided is for reference only. Please contact your physiotherapist should you have any enquiry.)

The above information was produced by Physiotherapy Department, Canossa Hospital (Caritas).

Please call 28255392 for physiotherapy appointment

References:

1. https://www21.ha.org.hk/smartpatient/PalliativeCare/zh-HK/CaringTips/Use-of-Walking-Aids-and-Wheelchair/