Wheelchair Maintenance

Original Editor - Mariam Hashem

Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Mariam Hashem, Kim Jackson, Simisola Ajeyalemi, Olajumoke Ogunleye, Robin Tacchetti, Shaimaa Eldib, Rucha Gadgil and Amrita Patro  

Introduction

Wheelchair and cushion care is important because it saves costs for repairs, extends its life and prevents injuries and long-term damage to the user’s body. A wheelchair which is cared for will be more comfortable, energy-efficient and easier to use. A cushion which is cared for will continue to provide pressure relief and support.

Educating wheelchair users on how to care for their wheelchair is the responsibility of the wheelchair service personnel.

Prevent repairs: home maintenance

There are six things that wheelchair users can do at home to look after their wheelchair and cushion.

1. Clean the wheelchair and cushion: to protect metal and wooden parts from rusting and rotting and stop damage caused by dirt scraping against moving parts.

STEPS:

• Use warm water with a little soap.
• Rinse and dry.
• Pay attention to moving parts, and where upholstery joins the frame.
• Remove cushion from cover and wash separately.
• Always dry the cushion in the shade – not in direct sun.

2. Lubricate moving parts: to stop rust and keep parts moving smoothly.

STEPS:

• Clean and dry the wheelchair first.
• Use a lubricating oil, for example bearing oil.
• Apply to all moving parts.

3- Pump up tyres (if pneumatic): It is important because it is easier to propel the wheelchair with less energy, it also keeps tyres longer and helps brakes work correctly.

STEPS:

• Press thumb across the tyre to check pressure. It should be possible to depress the tyre very slightly (about 5 mm).
• Pressure should be the same on each tyre.
• Pump up using a bicycle pump or similar. Reduce pressure by releasing air through the valve.

4- Tighten nuts and bolts (if loose): Loose bolts cause unwanted movement in parts. This can be uncomfortable, and cause parts to wear out or be lost.

STEPS:

• Check wheelchair for loose bolts or nuts. Tighten loose bolts or nuts with a wrench.
• Do not overtighten.

5- Tighten spokes (if loose): Loose spokes can cause wheels to buckle and collapse.

STEPS:

• Squeeze together two spokes all the way around the wheel. If a spoke “gives” when you pull gently, it may be too loose. Tighten with a spoke wrench.
• Spokes can be overtightened. If the spoke feels very rigid, it is probably too tight and should be loosened.

6-Make regular checks:

A-Check for rust and check upholstery: Rust reduces the strength of materials. This can cause parts to break and may cause injury to the user. Upholstery needs to be in good condition to support the wheelchair user and provide good comfort. If upholstery rips suddenly, the wheelchair user may be injured.

STEPS:

• Check painted metal surfaces for rust/corrosion.
• If rust is found, use sandpaper or steel brush to remove the rust.
• Clean with a thinner and cloth and repaint.
• Look for tears, wears, dirt or metal parts sticking out.
• Check the tension of seat and backrest is correct.
• If the upholstery is torn or the tension of a slung seat is too loose, repairs are needed.

B- Check the cushion: Cushions should be clean and dry to help protect skin.

Cushions do not last as long as wheelchairs. A regular check will help wheelchair users to recognize when the cushion needs replacing.

STEPS:

• Remove the cover.
• Check for worn spots, dirt and holes in the cover and foam.
• If the cushion is worn, it should be checked by the wheelchair service personnel. It may need to be replaced.

Common wheelchair and cushion repairs

Wheelchairs and cushions will sometimes need to be repaired. Wheelchair service personnel need to be able to either carry out a repair, or advise wheelchair users where they can get help. Provide patients with available local places where they can repair wheelchairs.Possible places or people are:

• Bicycle repairer;

• Motorcycle or car mechanic;

• Workshops – welder, plumber (metal parts), carpenter, furniture maker

(wooden parts);

• Wheelchair user, wheelchair user’s family member, relative or neighbor;

• Tailor for repairing upholstery;

• Wheelchair service facilities.

Wheelchair Follow up

Follow up happens after the wheelchair user has received their wheelchair and has been using it for a while. Follow up appointments are an opportunity to gather information from the wheelchair user, check that the wheelchair is in good working order and check the fitting of the wheelchair.

All users will benefit from a follow up visit, particularly children, users at risk of developing a pressure sore, users who have a progressive condition and those who have had difficulty with any of the training or instruction given to them.

Most intermediate level wheelchair users need additional postural support, and therefore follow up is particularly important.

There is no rule about when follow up should happen though one follow up session within six weeks of the date of delivery is often found to be useful. It will depend on the needs of the user. However, for children, it is ideal if follow up occurs every six months. This is because the needs of children change quickly as they grow.

Follow up can be carried out either at a home visit, at a center or at any other location that suits the user and the wheelchair personnel.

At the follow up the wheelchair service personnel should check that the wheelchair is in good order, provide more tips or training. If needed the service provider may re-adjust the wheelchair, carry out minor repairs or home maintenance, organize major repairs or assist the wheelchair user to arrange for repairs.

Ways to manage follow up appointments

• Give wheelchair users a follow up appointment when they receive their wheelchair.
• Visit wheelchair users at home for follow up, where possible.
• Make follow up visits part of routine visits to communities by community-based rehabilitation (CBR) personnel who have been trained to carry out follow up.
• Arrange a follow up phone call if transport is difficult and the wheelchair user has access to a phone

References