Five Keys To Prevent Sliding Down In Wheelchairs
Have you ever sat in an uncomfortable chair? It’s too hard, it’s too soft, it just doesn’t feel right. We become Goldilocks when it comes to finding a comfortable chair. The first thing I do when I sit in an office chair that is adjustable is reach down and pull that lever to raise the height. When a chair fits properly, you don’t think about it, but if there is something wrong with the fit of the chair, it can really nag you —you squirm around and eventually find somewhere else to sit!
Well, what if you had to sit in that chair several hours a day, every day of your life? That is exactly the case with persons who are no longer able to walk, and rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Sitting in an improperly fitting wheelchair can be uncomfortable and it can also be unsafe.
Many elderly or disabled wheelchair users often slide down in their wheelchairs. They are initial placed in the wheelchair in upright positions but they gradually move out of that position due to improper fit of the wheelchair and this can lead to sliding out of the wheelchair. There are many caregivers who have to constantly pull their loved ones back up in the wheelchair throughout the day to prevent them from sliding out. This can be very exhausting and can lead to the caregiver and the wheelchair user experiencing pain.
There are Five Key Points to Proper Wheelchair Positioning
Hips/Pelvis should be all the way back in the wheelchair
Trunk/chest should be flat against the backrest
Armrest must be at proper height to support the forearm and elbow
Feet must be flat on the floor or on the footrest, with the hips still all the way back in wheelchair
Knees should be level with the hips
The most prevalent cause of sliding forward in wheelchair is due to failure to keep feet on footrest which helps to keep the hips back in the wheelchair. Wheelchair users tend to slide down so that feet can contact the floor and this moves hips away from the back of wheelchair. If footrests are removed, placement of feet on a block which is the same height of footrest can help to decrease tendency to slide.
Challenge: Look at the posture of your loved one in the wheelchair. If one of these components is out of alignment, make adjustments. Go in to a wheelchair company and have them assessed. Consider adding a lap belt (seat belt) to wheelchair. Once you get them in the correct position, a lap belt placed correctly across the hips can help hold them in that correct posture.
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist
Today’s blog is inspired by a caregiver question to the call-in line of Caregivers Finding A Foothold podcast. To hear questions and other challenges from caregivers in our community, please check out the website FindingAFoothold.com, Episode 10: Five Keys To Prevent Sliding Down in Wheelchairs
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Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.