GENERAL GUIDELINES | PROCEDURE 1 |
Transferring to and From Other Seats | Percentage of Weight Distribution |
WARNING
ALWAYS turn the wheelchair power OFF and en- gage the motor locks/clutches to prevent the wheels from moving BEFORE attempting to trans- fer in or out of the wheelchair. Also, make sure every precaution is taken to reduce the gap dis- tance aligning both rear casters parallel with the object you are transferring onto.
CAUTION
When transferring, position yourself as far back as possibleintheseat.Thiswillpreventbrokenscrews, damaged upholstery and the possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.
NOTE: This activity may be performed independently provided you have adequate mobility and upper body strength.
1.Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side the seat to which you are transferring, with the rear casters pointing away from it.
2.Engage motor locks/clutches. Refer to one (1) of the following.
A.WHEELCHAIRS WITH MOTORS THAT HAVE CLUTCHES - ENGAGING/DISENGAGING MOTORS WITH CLUTCHES in PROCEDURE 8 of this manual.
B.WHEELCHAIRS WITH MOTORS THAT HAVE MOTOR LOCKS - ENGAGING/DISENGAG- ING MOTORS WITH MOTOR LOCKS in PRO- CEDURE 8 of this manual.
3.Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all possible.
MINIMIZE GAP
DISTANCE
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.
Manyactivitiesrequirethewheelchairusertoreach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to normal balance, center of gravity, and 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 profes- sional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheel- chair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or bending forward, it isimportanttousetherearcastersasatooltomain- tain stability and balance.
Functional Reach From a Wheelchair
The approximate
Reaching, Leaning, Bending and Bending - Forward
Position the rear casters so that they are extended as far rearward as possible and engage motor locks/ clutches. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REACH OBJECTS
IF YOU HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE SEAT OR PICK THEM UP FROM THE FLOOR BY REACH- ING DOWN BETWEEN YOUR KNEES.
G E N E R A L
G U I D E L I N E S
9
