MEASURING A CLIENT FOR A WHEELCHAIR Exercise caution with hands and wheelchair wheels when in motion. The following is a basic guide for measuring a client for a help “fit the chair” to the person. Avoid kerbs where possible. SET WIDTH Distance between chair uprights should be (X): the width of the client’s hips while maintaining good seating stability. NB. The seat will determine the overall width of the chair. PUSHING AN OCCUPIED WHEELCHAIR DOWN A KERB It is safer to go down a kerb backwards. It requires less strength and gives a gentler ride. Care should, however, be taken due to the weight of the chair and because the task involves stepping backwards into a road. FOOTPLATE HEIGHT Practise with an empty wheelchair first. The client should be seated on the cushion to Always keep the wheelchair user informed about be used. what you are intending to do. Make sure the road is clear, and then back the Adjustment in the leg rests should allow for a wheelchair to the edge of the kerb. distance of 2cm (flat of the hand) LESS than the Ensure that the chair is lined up at 90° to the distance between the seat (cushion) and the sole of kerb. the foot (on footplate). This avoids pressure on the Slowly roll the rear wheels down from the kerb back of the knee. There should be safety clearance of and onto the road surface, making sure that both 5cm between the lowest part of the largest or wheels touch down at the same time. footplate and the floor. When the front casters are at the edge of the kerb, push down and forward on the tipping lever with your foot while gently pulling back on CAUTIONS the handles and at the same time. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the Extreme caution should be used on slopes and in wet rear wheels. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary. or slippery conditions. Carefully pull the wheelchair further back into Use brakes when stationary. the road and, when the occupant's feet are clear of the kerb, gently lower the front to the road. Keep feet on footrests when chair is in motion. Check that the road is clear before turning around and crossing.
MEASURING A CLIENT FOR A WHEELCHAIR The following is a basic guide for measuring a client for a help “fit the chair” to the person. SET WIDTH Distance between chair uprights should be (X): the width of the client’s hips while maintaining good seating stability. NB. The seat will determine the overall width of the chair. FOOTPLATE HEIGHT The client should be seated on the cushion to be used. Adjustment in the leg rests should allow for a distance of 2cm (flat of the hand) LESS than the distance between the seat (cushion) and the sole of the foot (on footplate). This avoids pressure on the back of the knee. There should be safety clearance of 5cm between the lowest part of the largest or footplate and the floor. CAUTIONS Extreme caution should be used on slopes and in wet or slippery conditions. Use brakes when stationary. Keep feet on footrests when chair is in motion. Exercise caution with hands and wheelchair wheels when in motion. Avoid kerbs where possible. PUSHING AN OCCUPIED WHEELCHAIR DOWN A KERB It is safer to go down a kerb backwards. It requires less strength and gives a gentler ride. Care should, however, be taken due to the weight of the chair and because the task involves stepping backwards into a road. Practise with an empty wheelchair first. Always keep the wheelchair user informed about what you are intending to do. Make sure the road is clear, and then back the wheelchair to the edge of the kerb. Ensure that the chair is lined up at 90° to the kerb. Slowly roll the rear wheels down from the kerb and onto the road surface, making sure that both wheels touch down at the same time. When the front casters are at the edge of the kerb, push down and forward on the tipping lever with your foot while gently pulling back on the handles and at the same time. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary. Carefully pull the wheelchair further back into the road and, when the occupant's feet are clear of the kerb, gently lower the front to the road. Check that the road is clear before turning around and crossing.
General-Information-Wheelchairs.docx