It’s not easy to get a wheelchair up a flight of steps. However, it is occasionally unavoidable and should be dealt with calmly and thoughtfully.
The only option to raise the wheelchair the stairs is if the person in the wheelchair cannot walk up the steps and there is no lift access. Two individuals should tackle this, with the stronger helper going first and backward up the stairs.
No one chooses to live with a disability; nonetheless, whether you know someone who has developed a disability or you have one, it’s critical to know how to carry that person across your home or any other area they need to access.
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Safety Of A Disabled Person Is The First Priority
When assisting someone to ascend stairs in a manual wheelchair, the first thing to remember is not to put the person you’re assisting in danger.
While assisting them, you should also keep in mind that you should avoid causing any harm to the wheelchair and taking any hazards while on the go. Depending on the shape and size of the stairs, going upstairs with a manual wheelchair is possible.
Use A Manual wheelchair
In general, regardless of whether you’re using a manual wheelchair or attempting to climb a staircase, the most important thing to remember is never to put anyone in danger. There are devices, such as a safety belt, available for manual wheelchair users to prevent moving around and creating an accident.
It’s advisable to transfer the manual wheelchair user one step at a time if just one person is available to assist them. When multiple individuals want to help, it’s ideal for lifting the wheelchair into the air and propelling it up several stairs at a time.
Remove Excess Weight From Wheelchair
Wheelchairs are already heavy, so carrying more weight is the last thing you want to do. Start by getting rid of extra weight, such as bottles and bags. Even seemingly insignificant details add up.
It will be easier if you have less weight to carry. It would help if you only carried the weight of the wheelchair and the person in it.
Don’t Deflate The Wheelchair Tires
Inflatable tyres are available on some wheelchairs. You may believe that deflating the tyres will help you reduce the weight of the wheelchair as much as feasible. But don’t make that mistake! It will make your job even more difficult if you deflate the tyres.
This is because the lessened pressure will increase friction as you climb the steps. Increased friction merely means that pushing the chair up the stairs will take more work, which you don’t want.
Go For One Step At One Time
When just one person is available to aid a wheelchair user up the stairs, the person assisting should take one step at a time. Place the back of the manual wheelchair against the first step, firmly press the rear wheels onto the step, and lift the wheelchair from the wheelchair handles while tilting up the front wheels.
This method is straightforward because of the design of manual wheelchairs. We can ascend any flight of stairs one step at a time. However, we must emphasize that a disabled person in a wheelchair must take all reasonable precautions to remain in the wheelchair and out of harm’s way.
Use Modern Accessories For Moving Wheelchairs Effortlessly
There are a variety of devices and systems built specifically for disabled persons to help them move around with ease. Picking up someone with a disability is one of the most convenient methods to move them, but it can be highly uncomfortable.
Use Stairs Climbers
Wheeled stair climbers allow disabled individuals to navigate around their homes and on stairwells. Manually or electrically operated stair climbers are available. Wheelchairs are not compatible with all-wheeled stair climbers. Some stair climber models contain a seat that can transport a disabled or older adult who can transfer without help.
Caretakers may find it easier to assist and carry people into stair climbers using a gait belt. A gait belt, sometimes known as a transfer belt, is a device worn by a caregiver before relocating a patient with mobility challenges. Patients who have trouble keeping their balance or moving from one foot to the other may benefit from the use of a gait belt.
Get Help From Someone To Climb More Steps In One Time
It is vital to have the assistance of numerous individuals if you wish to ascend several steps in a single movement. As you progress up the steps, the frame must raise the chair.
It is always recommended to use ramps and stairlifts because this process can be highly dangerous, both for the person in the wheelchair and the people conducting the lifting.
Final Thoughts
How to get a wheelchair upstairs has already been explored extensively. If you’re a caretaker, you may still help that individual gain more mobility by assisting with the installation of handicap-accessible features like wheelchair lifts and ramps in their house.
Obtain multiple installation quotes for any assistive tool you decide to place in your home to aid disabled individuals in moving downstairs, so you can be sure you’re receiving the most value for your money. Make certain that the service provider you choose is a verified distributor.
