This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
When you are helping to assist an individual into a wheelchair, make sure that both of the brakes are on and that the front casters are swivelled forward, make sure that the footplates are folded and swing them to the side so that they are out of the way.
If there is a third person available, ask them to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it doesn’t move, if this is not possible to stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself. Ask the individual to stand, and hold onto the hand rests as they lower themselves into the seat.
When they are sitting, swing the footrests to the front and fold down the footplates, they will be able to place their feet comfortably, if they need assistance help them to place their feet making sure that their heels are back into the footrests.
If you are taking your passenger from your vehicle to a location, make sure that their elbows are not sticking outside the wheelchair when going through doorways. Make sure that their hands are in their lap and not hanging outside the chairs where they could catch in the wheels.
Make sure that the brake is applied if you need to move away from the chair for any length of time.
If you are helping your passenger out of a wheelchair, back the wheelchair so that the front casters swivel forwards and make sure that both brakes are on, ask them to take their feet off of the footplates, if they need help, help them and then fold up both footplates and swing them out to the side so they are out of the way.
If another person is present ask them to hold the handles of the wheelchair to stop it from moving, if this is not possible, stand behind the chair and hold onto the handles yourself.
Ask the individual to move forward on the seat, make sure that they place both feet firmly on the ground, their feet should be slightly apart with one foot farther back. Then ask them to place both hands on the front of the armrests, leaning forward with their head and shoulders over their knees to help them to balance, from this position they should be able to push themselves up to standing.
Make sure that you are patient and encourage them to take their time at each step of the procedure.
