Manual Wheelchair Safety Guidelines

For a person with limited mobility, a wheelchair can offer freedom and independence. For those with good upper body function, who do not plan to use the chair continually, manual wheelchairs are a great option, lightweight and cost-effective. There is research to indicate, though, that more than half of wheelchair users will have an accident involving their wheelchair in their first three years of using it. These accidents are typically tips and falls, but most of them are preventable if the user takes some precautions to ensure the wheelchair is properly maintained, and safety guidelines are followed.

Wheelchair Safety: How Often Should Wheelchair Maintenance Be Performed?

The first step in promoting wheelchair safety is proper maintenance. A wheelchair that is not in good repair is likely to pose a safety hazard. Wheelchair models are different, and in general, the maintenance will depend on the model and how it’s being used. Maintaining a wheelchair essentially comes down to inspecting it regularly and making sure everything is working as it should. Failing to perform routine inspections can result in minor issues becoming huge problems. As a rule of thumb, check brakes and tire pressure every week, the wheelchair’s moving parts once a month, and the upholstery every three to four months. Once a year, take the wheelchair for professional maintenance.

Common Problems and Checks in Manual Wheelchair Maintenance

What are you looking for when you perform wheelchair maintenance? Primarily, you will be checking to make sure the tires are in good shape, the front wheels are well-aligned, and the brakes are properly aligned. However, it is very important to read your users’ manual, so that you will have a firm grasp of the maintenance needed for your specific manual wheelchair and its issues. With that in mind, here is a checklist for common problems and the tasks needed to keep your wheelchair moving right along.

• Check your brakes once a week. A wheelchair’s brakes can become degraded if they’ve been improperly adjusted or the placement is wrong. Check the brakes more often than each week if you notice any issues while you are using your wheelchair.
• Check the condition and pressure of your tires, referring to the manual. The proper tire pressure is integral to the safe operation of a wheelchair. Too low, and the user will have to exert too much effort. Too high, the tire could burst.
• Check the frame, its fittings, and the wheels. The back wheels propel the wheelchair forward, and the front wheels provide stabilization and turn the wheelchair. The front wheels need to be aligned, or the wheelchair’s movement will not be fluid, and it may pull to the left or right. Look at the wheelchair frame and fittings, tightening any screws that may be loose, and adjust the wheels.
• Clean the wheelchair. Aside from any upholstery and exposed bearing points, the wheelchair can be cleaned with mild detergent and rinsed. Once you’ve cleaned it, oil the moving parts. Look over the entire wheelchair to inspect it for spots of rust. Every three or four months, thoroughly inspect and clean the upholstery and footrest.
• If you plan to store the wheelchair, protect it with a weather-proof cover. Store the chair in a dry place, out of direct sunlight, and inspect it thoroughly before using it again.

Using a Wheelchair Safely: Wheelchair Safety Guidelines and Tips

In addition to keeping a wheelchair in good repair, you must use it correctly to stay safe.

Wheelchair Safety Tips for Seniors

Before ever getting into the wheelchair, read the user manual so that you will be familiar with it and understand how all of the feature’s work. Having a clear understanding of the chair and its functions will allow you to operate it more effectively and confidently. Learn how to get in and out of the wheelchair properly—always engage the brakes first—and practice maneuvering around in a safe space before going out in public. Then, use common sense practices, including:

• Never hang bags from your wheelchair handles, as they may change the balance of the chair and make you tip.
• Don’t hold children while you are in a wheelchair.
• Refrain from pushing off of furniture to gain momentum as this shifts your body weight and can make you tip.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, noting the any hazards in the terrain so that you can steer clear.

Wheelchair Safety for Caregivers

If you are the caregiver for a loved one who uses a manual wheelchair, it’s important for you to become as familiar with the chair as possible. Learn how to perform maintenance, and how to safely transfer your loved one in and out of the chair. While the person is in the chair, encourage as much shifting of positions as possible, to prevent muscle fatigue.

Find Your Next Wheelchair at Texas Medical Supply

At Texas Medical Supply, we have all the equipment you need. Our locally owned and operated medical supply company, located in Houston, TX, offers an extensive selection of hospital beds, lift chairs, mobility scooters, manual and power wheelchairs, and more. Whether you are looking to buy or rent medical equipment, we have something to fit your budget and lifestyle, including used equipment at affordable prices. Our team of experts is here for you every step of the way, from helping you make the most of your equipment by delivering equipment directly to your home, to assembling your equipment for you. Shop now to find the medical equipment you need, or contact us through our website for more information.