Coping With Everyday Obstacles; A Note To Wheelchair Assistants - Invacare Lightweight Operation And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

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 tipping the
wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by
means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may result in injury to the
user or damage to the wheelchair.
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose and/or
worn, replace immediately. If the wheelchair is exposed to extreme temperature (above
100°F or below 32°F), high humidity and/or becomes wet, prior to use, ensure handgrips
do not twist on the wheelchair's handle - otherwise damage or injury may occur.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests. These must NEVER be
used to move the wheelchair or as 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.
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.
The seat depth, size/position of the front casters, size/position of the rear wheels,
anti-tipper model, as well as the user condition directly relate to the stability of the
wheelchair. Any change to one or any combination of the seven may cause the
wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments MUST be performed by a
qualified technician.
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 normal balance, the center of gravity,
and the weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your particular safety
limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several combinations in the
presence of a qualified healthcare professional before attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or bending
forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.
19
Part No. 1114811 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs