7 WHEELCHAIRS Flashcards
OT ROLE WITH WHEELCHAIRS
Initial measure.
Adjusting for client.
Maintenance.
Storage and retrieval.
Making adaptations.
Teaching clients and family.
Completing forms, set up appointments.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR WHEELCHAIR RECOMMENDATION
Financial assistance.
Condition.
Client abilities.
Propelling.
Age, height, weight.
Expected use.
Home set up.
Transport.
Special environmental needs.
Physiological affect.
Accessories, customization.
PARTS OF THE WHEELCHAIR (12)
Push handles.
Back upholstery.
Armrest.
Clothing guard.
Drive wheel.
Hand rim.
Brakes.
Leg support release.
Front rigging.
Heel loop.
Foot plate.
Castor wheel.
MEASURING/DESCRIBING WHEELCHAIRS (12)
SN, manufacturer, model
Specs: Seat width/depth/height
Upholstery
Back height/angle
Front rigging
Foot plate
Armrests
Drive / castor wheel
Hand rims
Brakes
Special adaptations: rear anti-tippers, seat belt.
ADJUSTING WHEELCHAIR TO FIT THE USER (3)
Brakes.
Height of footrest/front rigging.
Back height and seat depth.
MEASURING FIT
Back height fit: just below inferior angle of scapula, 4 fingers from top of seat to top of axilla.
Seat depth: 3 finger width from popliteal space to seat upholstery.
OPTIMUM POSITIONS
Pelvis/lower extremities: symmetrical, middle of the seat, level or slight anterior tilt.
Trunk: neutral position, no leaning, no trunk rotation.
Head: eyes forward, no leaning, slight chin tuck.
Upper extremities: scapula in neutral, shoulders flexed and abducted.
WHEELCHAIR MODIFICATIONS (4)
Seat modifications: positioning belts, seating height, wedge, ramped, tilt, recline, cushions, pommel, knee blocks, hip blocks.
Back modifications: lumbar roll, H strap, key hole back, otto style back, adjustable back.
Head pieces: commercially available, custom fit.
Arm supports: lap trays, otto bock.
HOW TO MOVE A WHEELCHAIR
Propelling: 2 UE, 1 UE+1LE, 2 LE.
Teach them how they could move around.
WHEELCHAIR SAFETY
Brakes locked during transfers.
Client should not stand on the footplates.
Swing/remove footplates away during transfers.
Move armrests.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A WHEELCHAIR (4)
Cleaning metal with wax.
Upholstery with fabric cleaner.
WD40 for joints.
Replace broken parts.
You: identify problems, prep, communicate.
POWER MOBILITY USED FOR
Most effective for: those unable to propel with UE or LE, walking is contraindicated, have UE problems.
REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF POWER MOBILITY
Accessible environment.
Van/vehicle for transport.
Individual to train user.
Client understand how to use it.
COMPONENTS: INPUT DEVICES
Toggles.
Pneumatic switches (sip and puff)
Multiple switches.
Switches using body parts.
COMPONENTS: MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL
Controls acceleration
Modifies turning speed
Adjusts to tremors or problems with tone (spasticity)
Can be programmed with EADL
