SECTION
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability and balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tipping the wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
If the wheelchair is exposed to extreme temperature (above 100°F or below 32°F), high humidity and/or becomes wet, prior to use, ensure handgrips do not twist on the wheelchair’s handle ‐ otherwise damage or injury may occur.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests. These must NEVER be used to move the wheelchair or as lifting supports, as they may be inadvertently released, resulting in possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
The seat height, seat depth, back angle, pivot point of seat frame, seating system, caster position, size and position of the rear wheels, as well as the user condition directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combina- tion of the nine may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjust- ments must be performed by an authorized Invacare dealer or qualified technician.
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, the center of gravity, and the weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional before attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or bending forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.