Invacare Top End T-3 manual Procedure General Guidelines Coping with Everyday Obstacles

GENERAL GUIDELINES

PROCEDURE 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

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 tilting the chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.

Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts. These must NEVER be used for hand-hold or 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.

PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

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.

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 nor- mal balance, the center of gravity, and the weight distribution of the wheel- chair. To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bend- ing, reaching and transferring activities in several combinations in the pres- ence of a qualified health professional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.

Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bend- ing or bending forward, the front caster can act as a tool to maintain stability and balance.

The position of the footrest, camber tube and rear seat height, the tautness of the back upholstery, as well as the user's condition are directly related to the chairs stability. Any change to one (1) or any combination of the five (5) may cause the chair to decrease in stability. Use EXTREME caution when using a new seating position.

T-3™ and T-4™ Series 14 Part No. 1054916