Wheelchair Safety for Seniors

Proper safety instructions in the use of wheelchairs, directed toward the elderly population, can decrease the risk of accidents. There are general safety tips that can be applied to the use of both power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs in preventing fall-related injuries.
  1. Brakes

    • Remember to always lock your brakes when around inclines and declines and when you are transferring from your wheelchair to another location, such as a chair or bed. Any sudden unexpected movements during these activities may result in a painful fall that may result in injury.

    Know Limits

    • Never attempt to navigate steep slopes alone without knowing your capabilities. Practice with a caregiver or healthcare professional to find out if you are strong enough to complete this task.

    Visibility

    • Do what you can to make the wheelchair more visible to the public, such as decorating the chair with bright colors or using reflectors at night time. This reduces the risk of a possible collision with both people and vehicles.

    Reaching

    • Never reach for an object if you have to move to the edge of the seat to reach it. In addition to this, do not reach for an object between your legs. These activities may cause you to fall out of your chair and on to the floor. Position your chair beside the object and reach over the side, if possible.

    Curbs

    • Do not try to maneuver your wheelchair onto a curb or up a stairway. Get another person to help you get over the curb or, if necessary, search for an alternative route, such as a handicap ramp or elevator to get to a higher level.

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