How much to know about wheelchairs
The most important consideration when choosing a wheelchair is its size. The main body parts of the wheelchair user are around the hip ischial tuberosity, around the femur, around the fossa and around the scapula. The size of the wheelchair, especially the width of the seat, the depth of the seat and the height of the backrest, and whether the distance between the footrest and the seat cushion is appropriate, will affect the blood circulation of the occupant’s relevant parts of the force, and cause skin wear and even pressure sores. In addition, the safety of the patient, the ability to operate, the weight of the wheelchair, the location of use, and the appearance should also be considered.
Notes on selection:
1. Seat width: measure the distance between the hips or between the two thighs when sitting down Distance, after adding 5cm, that is, after sitting down, there is a gap of 2.5cm on each side. If the seat is too narrow, it is more difficult to get on and off the wheelchair, and the hip and thigh tissues are compressed; if the seat is too wide, it is difficult to sit firmly, it is inconvenient to operate the wheelchair, the limbs are easily fatigued, and it is difficult to enter and exit the gate.
2. Seat length: Measure the horizontal distance from the rear buttocks to the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf when sitting down, and subtract 6.5cm from the measurement result. If the seat is too short, the weight will mainly fall on the ischium, which may easily cause excessive local compression; if the seat is too long, it will compress the popliteal fossa, affect local blood circulation, and easily irritate the skin. For patients with shorter thighs or with hip and knee flexion contractures, a short seat is better.
3. Cushion In order to be comfortable and prevent bedsores, a cushion should be placed on the chair of the wheelchair. Common seat cushions are foam rubber cushions (5-10cm thick) or gel cushions. In order to prevent the seat from sinking, a 0.6cm thick plywood can be placed under the seat cushion.
4. Armrest height: When sitting down, the upper arm is vertical and the forearm is placed on the armrest. Measure the height from the seat surface to the lower edge of the forearm, and add 2.5cm. Proper armrest height helps maintain proper body posture and balance, and allows upper extremities to be placed in a comfortable position. The armrest is too high, the upper arm is forced to rise, and it is easy to get tired. If the armrest is too low, you need to lean forward to maintain balance, which is not only easy to fatigue, but also affects breathing.
The inability of wheelchair patients to move freely is one of the most painful things for us. When the patient wakes up, it is very troublesome for us to move it from the bed to the wheelchair. For many times, it will not have much impact after we are familiar with it, but it is not so simple for people who have just come into contact to complete the task. Let’s talk about how to move a wheelchair patient to a wheelchair!
The height of the bed should be close to the wheelchair seat, a short armrest should be installed at the head of the bed, and the wheelchair should have a brake and a detachable footrest. The wheelchair is placed on the patient’s healthy side. The wheelchair and the end of the bed are at a certain angle (30. to 45.).
1. When the patient sits beside the bed, first lock the brake of the wheelchair;
2. Bend the healthy knee to more than 90 degrees, and move the unaffected foot to the affected side The back of the foot is convenient for the free rotation of the two feet;
3. The patient moves his hand to the middle of the armrest on the far side of the wheelchair, and moves the two feet to make himself ready to sit down;
