Roll Mobility Blog
How to Use a Finger Pulse Oximeter
Insert the index finger fully into the device.
Instructions
The following instructions apply to most finger pulse oximeters designed for home use; however, be sure to read the instruction manual for your specific oximeter before attempting to use it.
- First, press the power button to turn on the unit.
- Pinch the oximeter open and insert a finger (preferably the index finger) into the unit, as far back as it will go. Make sure the fingernail is facing in the same direction as the digital display.
- Keep as still as possible while the oximeter measures your oxygen level. Any movement may affect the accuracy of the reading.
- Read the display for Sp02 measurements, pulse rate, and other measurements taken by the device.
Although the oxygen saturation level varies with age, fitness, altitude, medical condition, and other factors, the optimal saturation for a young, healthy, and fit individual is 95 – 99%. Consult your health practitioner to determine the optimal oxygen saturation level for you.
Tips for Using a Finger Pulse Oximeter:
- For accuracy in comparing finger oximeter readings over time, always use the same finger for testing.
- Fingernail polish may affect the accuracy of the reading. Remove fingernail polish before testing.
- Cold fingers and a faint pulse may affect the accuracy of the reading. Warm up the hands and fingers before attempting to measure the oxygen level.
- Very small or very large fingers may cause inaccurate readings. Use a different finger if possible, and make sure the finger is inserted all the way into the probe to ensure that the reading is as accurate as possible.
Fall Prevention Checklist for Seniors
The older a person gets, the greater the chances are that a fall could result in serious injury or even death. Broken bones and other injuries take longer to heal and present more complications for older adults. That’s why it’s important to take any necessary steps to prevent a fall from happening in the first place. Fortunately, most falls can be prevented. The following safety checklist includes fall prevention tips from the National Center for Injury Prevention & Control (NCIPC) and other organizations concerned with health and home safety for seniors.
Encourage your loved one to use a rollator or walker for added stability and balance.
Furniture and Room Arrangement
- Place furniture towards the outside of the room, leaving a clear, straight path (avoid having to navigate around furniture).
- Make sure all furniture is stable enough to support weight if you lean on them.
- Remove all objects and tripping hazards from the floor.
- Keep important objects within easy reach to avoid bending and reaching and to avoid the use of a step stool.
- Keep telephones in easy-to-reach places. Make sure at least one phone is on a low table in case your loved one needs to reach it after a fall. Keep emergency numbers by the phone.
Flooring
- Use non-skid wax or no wax on polished floors.
- Remove throw rugs and area rugs (clean and hang on wall for decoration if the rug is special) or secure them to the floor with carpet tape.
- Make sure the carpet is well fastened and lies flat.
- Keep cords out of the way. Run cords behind furniture or against the wall.
Stairs and Walkways
- Remove all objects from stairways.
- Mark the edge of each step with brightly colored adhesive tape.
- Install handrails in stairways on both sides. You might also consider installing handrails in long hallways.
- Make sure your loved one wears house shoes with rubber soles for extra grip.
- Encourage your loved one to use a walker or rollator for added stability and balance.
Bathroom
- Install grab bars in the bathroom, including the toilet area, shower, and walls. Use a grab rail as a towel bar for extra safety.
- Use a bath seat in the tub or shower area.
Lighting
- Make sure your loved one can turn on the light without walking through a dark room to reach the lamp or lightswitch.
- Use nightlights in the hallway, kitchen, bathroom, and stairwell.
- Keep the house well lit during the day with natural and artificial lighting. Make sure there is adequate lighting throughout the house in the evening and early morning hours.
- Check light bulbs periodically and replace burned out bulbs immediately.
You can find out more about fall prevention and senior home safety at the NCIPC website at www.cdc.gov/injury.
Correct Height for a Walking Cane
Walking cane diagram
To find the correct height for the walking cane, follow these steps:
- Stand up straight on a firm, flat surface, and let your arms hang down comfortably at your sides.
- Adjust the height of the cane so that the top portion of the handle touches the inside of the wrist where it meets the palm.
To adjust the height of the walking cane, follow these steps:
- Turn the anti-rattle collar counterclockwise to loosen.
- Press in the snap button.
- Slide the extension up or down until the snap button pushes through the adjustment hole at the correct height. You will hear a soft click when the snap button securely sticks through the adjustment hole.
- Test the height of the cane by standing up straight and measuring where the cane handle lines up with your wrist. If the cane height needs to be raised or lowered, repeat steps 2 and 3.
- When the walking cane is set at the correct height, tighten the anti-rattle collar by turning it clockwise.
The process for adjusting a quad cane and adjusting an offset handle straight cane is basically the same for almost all major models; however, not all models include an anti-rattle collar. If your cane does not include the anti-rattle feature, simply skip steps 1 and 5.
How to Adjust a Rollator Walker
Adjust the height of the rollator walker so that the handlebar height is at the crease of your wrists when your arms are relaxed at your sides.
- Stand with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging loosely at your sides.
- The handlebar height should be at the crease of your wrist when your arms are relaxed at your sides. Take note of how much you need to raise or lower the handlebars to adjust them to the proper height.
- Loosen the knobs on the outside of the handlebars. For some rollator models, this may be sufficient to allow you to raise and lower the handlebars. If so, move the handlebars to the desired height.
- Tighten the knobs.
- OR If the rollator walker has bolts which go through the handlebars, remove the bolts and then move the handlebars to the desired height.
- Re-install the bolts and screw the knobs to the bolts. The knobs should be on the outside of the handlebars. Some frames have a hexagonal hole for the bolt head to fit into. Ensure that the bolt head is properly aligned with the hole before tightening fully.
- The seat height is not adjustable. If the seat is too high or too low, a different size rollator may be more appropriate. You should be able to sit on the seat with the balls of your feet touching the ground.
Finger Pulse Oximeter – New from Roll Mobility
Finger Pulse Oximeter and Carry Case
This oximeter includes 6 display settings, featuring a bar graph, waveform, and 90 degree screen rotation at the touch of a button for easy reading from any angle.
The large digital display reports continuous readings as long as a finger is inserted in the device. A few seconds after the finger is removed from the device, the oximeter shuts off automatically to conserve battery power. You can adjust the brightness of the screen display by holding down the power button.
A hard carry case is included for safe keeping, and a bonus neck lanyard keeps the oximeter within easy reach. Two AAA batteries (not included) are used to power the device for up to 20 hours of battery life. The included user manual provides information and safety precautions for operating this device.
Oximeters are useful for a variety of settings and activities, including the following:
- Hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities
- Doctors’ offices
- Retirement homes
- Home health care patients
- Aerobic and anaerobic exercise
- Athletic sports
- Climbing sports
This finger pulse device offers a variety of information, including heart rate, oxygen saturation level, and complete plythesmograph and waveforms. As an FDA listed and CE approved device, you can rest assured of its accuracy and quality.
The finger pulse oximeter from Roll Mobility is designed for professional or home use. Now available for only $59.99. Get free shipping on all orders within the lower 48 states.
New! Wheelchair Brake Extensions from Roll Mobility
Extend your brake levers up to 8 inches for extra leverage.
These extensions fit all Roll Mobility wheelchairs except the GT model, and they also fit most models from other major wheelchair manufacturers. These brake levers are sold individually and in pairs.
Why buy wheelchair brake extensions?
- More leverage, less effort
- Great for limited reach or strength
- Extends most brake levers by an average of 8 inches
- Easy, one-handed operation
- Available in pairs or as a single lever
Optional Features for Manual Folding Wheelchairs
There are a number of optional features available for manual folding wheelchairs. Each of these features can make a wheelchair more comfortable, versatile, and ergonomic for the user.
The Unity Lightweight Wheelchair comes with desk-length, flip-back arms, swingaway leg rests, an adjustable height backrest, and dual axle wheels.
Armrests
Basic armrests can be divided into two categories: desk length and full length. Desk length arms allow easier access to tables and desks. Full length arms provide extra arm support.
Flip-back arms make transfers easier and allow the wheelchair to get closer to desks and tables. Removable arms are useful in the same way as flip-back arms, and they are preferred by users who don’t need arm support and who find it easier to reach the wheels without armrests in the way.
Adjustable height arms allow you to make the armrest shorter or taller. The adjustable height features increase the comfort and support of the armrests.
Leg Rests
The two basic leg rest styles include swingaway and elevating. Swingaway leg rests rotate to the side to allow the user to easily get in or out of the wheelchair. Elevating leg rests include a calf pad to raise the legs and prevent swelling. Both types of leg rests are removable.
Some leg rests include tool-free adjustment to change the length of the leg rest. This is handy for wheelchairs reserved for general use (such as an airport or hospital), where the length of the leg rest must be adjusted for each user.
Adjustable Backrest
Some wheelchairs include an adjustable backrest height for user comfort. Users who are taller or shorter than average may appreciate this feature.
Dual Axle
A dual axle wheelchair lets you adjust the chair from standard height to hemi height (about 2 inches lower than standard height). Hemi height allows the user to easily propel the chair with their feet. It also allows the seat height to be lowered for users under 5 feet tall.
Quick Release Wheels
Some wheelchairs include a quick release button to remove the rear wheels for compact storage and transport. This feature is designed for users looking for an ultra-portable wheelchair.
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