Nov 1998 Rev 2
2.1.2 GETTING IN AND OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR FACING FORWARDS
Section 2 Index
For maximum safety, these operations should be carried out with the help of an
attendant. The occupant should always try to assist the attendant wherever
possible to share the total effort. Carers should not attempt to lift without help.
If this is not possible a hoist may be required.
Getting
into
the
wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, flip up the foot plates, taking care that the heel
support straps (if fitted) are not jammed against the footrest support frame. On
some models, footrests may be detached or swung away for easier access. Note
that when footrests are detached, the mounting swivels remain exposed, and care
should be taken to avoid the occupant catching these accidentally.
The occupant may be able to help by pushing on the armrests to provide support
whilst being lowered into the seat. Finally, push the footplates down, and locate
the occupant`s feet on them.
see fig 1.
Getting out of the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on
,
then flip up the footrests or detach them as in
section 2.1. The occupant should place a hand on each armrest, bend slightly
forward and place both feet well back and firmly on the ground,
then push
upwards to assist the carer.
2.1.3 SIDE TRANSFER
When the wheelchair armrest is removed, it will allow sideways entry to the chair
and vice versa, from another chair or car seat.
see fig 2.
Physically active
Independent users with upper body and arm strength should eventually develop
skill to carry out this manoeuvre without help. However, it is advisable that an
attendant should be available if assistance becomes necessary.
Make sure the brakes are on, or that the wheelchair is prevented from moving, It
is easier to transfer when flip up footrest assemblies are swung back out of the
way, or removed so as not to interfere with the legs. Fixed frame wheelchairs with
foot bars, which do not have protruding brackets and footplates, allow side
transfer without the need for footrest removal. Feet should be firmly on the ground
and not on the footrest. The safest way to transfer is to bend slightly forward.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it may help to slide along a
smooth transfer board, or to use some other lever point such as a car hand grip
for additional support whilst manoeuvring from one seat to the other.
HenryCare Wheel Chair Instructions
Source-remobility.net
