The easiest way to navigate rough terrains is to go backward. When encountering rough terrains, pushing the wheelchair forwards is not only difficult for the caregiver but it is also extremely uncomfortable for the wheelchair user. If the user is elderly and their trunk is unstable, you risk them falling out of the wheelchair and sustaining a secondary injury.
The caregiver’s instinct may be to tilt the wheelchair (similar to going up a curb) however, this is tiring for long distances and difficult for elderly caregivers. Therefore, the solution is to go backward. When the rear wheels go first, the larger surface area is able to overcome the uneven terrain which makes it easier to travel over.
Going forwards vs. going backward on rough terrain in a manual wheelchair. Source: KARMA Medical Instagram
A pelvic belt is a necessary accessory for elderly wheelchair users as it lowers the risk of them falling out of the wheelchair. At the same time, it ensures they are seated in the correct seating position for their posture as well as prevents them from sliding.
An example of a pelvic belt. Image Source: Seating Dynamics
We’re here to help
Use the features and accessories of the wheelchair to your advantage instead of risking secondary injury to the wheelchair user or injury to the caregiver. In the next blog post, we will talk about how to transfer elderly users who may not be able to stand or sit up, in a reclining wheelchair. KARMA Malaysia is always here to assist. Talk to a KARMA representative today!
Call us: 03-5612 1921 / 010 – 238 1921
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