Roll Mobility Blog
Installing Walker Ski Glides for Ease of Use
Walker with two wheels, rubber feet, and replacement ski glides
Lifting a walker takes extra effort that some elderly patients just don’t have. By making the walker easier to move forward, they can move around more easily. Standard folding walkers come with either two wheels or no wheels. Either type of walker can be modified to make it easier to handle.
Most walkers come standard with rubber feet that provide extra traction. The extra resistance provided by these rubber feet can make it difficult to slide or roll the walker forward, forcing the user to lift the walker instead.
Tennis balls are a popular replacement, but they wear out quickly. For a longer lasting alternative with less resistance, try replacing the rubber feet with ski glides. They slide smoothly over carpet and other surfaces.
To install Roll Mobility ski glides on a walker:
Walker ski glide with locking hex key
- Remove the rubber tips from the rear legs of the walker.
- Insert the ski glide into the walker leg with the raised ski lip facing towards the front of the walker.
- The ski glides should fit securely into the walker legs.
- Use the hex key to tighten the screw in the bottom of each ski glide by turning it clockwise.
Note: To remove the ski glides, loosen the screw in the bottom of each glide by turning it counterclockwise with the hex key. Then slide the ski glides out of the walker legs.
Roll Mobility ski glides include a locking hex key to tighten them in place. These types of glides last longer than the kind that simply slide into the walker tube without tightening. This cheaper version can loosen and work its way back out over time.
After replacing the tips, test the walker out before allowing the elderly patient to use it. The ski glides should be held firmly in place and should be turned with the ski lip facing straight ahead. Instruct the user how to use the walker with the new replacement tips before allowing the patient to use the walker unassisted.
Pulse Oximeter Readings
A normal pulse oximeter reading is between 96 and 100 percent.
What does a pulse oximeter measure?
A finger pulse oximeter is primarily used to measure blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Since it provides a continuous reading of these measurements, an oximeter allows the user to detect changes in the oxygen level and heart rate as they occur.
What makes the pulse oximeter so popular?
This device is non-invasive and does not require a blood draw to determine the oxygen saturation level. It has also been approved for use outside of the medical environment. Athletes, mountain climbers, and patients with heart trouble or other medical problems can monitor their blood oxygen levels no matter where they are. This convenience can cut down on the number of doctor visits needed and alert the user to the need to seek medical help before their condition becomes life-threatening.
How do I know if my pulse oximeter reading is normal?
The normal range for blood oxygen saturation is between 96% and 100%. Anything below a reading of 90% could signify danger and quickly lead to life-threatening complications. Seek medical help if your blood oxygen level approaches 90% or lower. Make sure to follow all directions for using the pulse oximeter to ensure that the reading is correct. If your oximeter returns an abnormal reading, check it again to make sure the reading is accurate.
Wheelchair Tires: Pneumatic or Solid?
All Roll Mobility wheelchairs have solid, no-flat, urethane tires.
Let’s face it. Flat tires always happen at the worst times. You’re alone, in a hurry, and far from home. Pneumatic, inflated wheelchair tires provide a cushion when going over bumps and rough terrain, but they also present the risk of punctures from broken glass and sharp objects.
With solid composite urethane tires, although the ride is not quite as smooth, you don’t need to worry about fixing a flat. Most wheelchair users consider this peace of mind (no flats) to be more than worth the trade-off of a slightly rougher ride.
Wheelchair Flats
Once a pneumatic tire is punctured, it’s not a good idea to ride on it. Riding on a flat can damage the tire rim and create even bigger problems than a flat tire. With solid, airless tires, there’s no need to worry about a flat and no need to check the tire pressure or fill the tires with air.
Tire Pressure
The “no maintenance” factor of solid tires is their biggest advantage over pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires become harder to push as the tire pressure drops and need to be refilled about once a week. Solid tires are airless and never need to be filled up.
Tire Tread
Pneumatic tires need to be replaced when the tread wears down or when the tire is punctured. You might find yourself buying new tires every few years, depending on how much use your wheelchair gets. Solid urethane tires, on the other hand, never need to be replaced under normal circumstances.
How to Use a Rollator Walker
Rollators offer a sense of independence and stability for aging seniors and for people dealing with temporary or permanent disabilities. The biggest advantage of a rollator is that it allows the user to sit down and rest any time, any place.
The locking brake handles and padded seat on this rollator allow you to take rest breaks wherever and whenever you need them.
Learning how to use a four wheeled rollator is simple and safe. Most rollators include hand brakes to slow down the walker or lock it in place. See the instructions below for more details on how to use a rollator.
Walking with a Rollator
When used properly, a rollator should allow you to walk with as natural a gait as possible.
- Lean on the walker, allowing it to roll forward with control as you step forward.
- To slow the walker down, squeeze or pull up on the hand brake.
- Before using the seat, activate the parking brake by pushing down on the hand brake.
- To release the brake, carefully squeeze the brake handles again, being careful not to pinch your fingers.
WARNING: Do not use the walker on stairs or escalators. Pay special attention on ramps and slopes.
Using the Hand Brake
The locking brake handles allow you to slow down, stop, or lock the rollator in place.
- Pull the top portion of the brake handles up towards the push handles to engage the brakes.
- To remain stationary, hold the brake handle up.
- To continue mobility, release the brake handle.
- To secure the brake lever in the unlocked position, push down on the bottom portion of the brake handle.
- To unlock the brake lever for use, pull up slightly on the top portion of the brake handle.
Using a Wheelchair: Ramps and Stability
Learning how to get around in a wheelchair takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, using a wheelchair can give you back your sense of freedom and independence. In order to safely use your wheelchair, you should learn and practice the following skills, including how to navigate ramps and how to maintain your center of balance.
Navigating Wheelchair Ramps
Use caution when navigating ramps in a wheelchair.
Although you may be able to easily navigate moderate inclines, assistance is strongly encouraged and recommended when going up or down inclines greater than 10 degrees. If you must stop on an incline, you should avoid sudden and abrupt movements when you begin to roll the wheelchair again. Because of the angle of the wheelchair, sudden movements or shifting of weight can cause instability.
Avoid changing direction when going down an incline and avoid turning the wheels parallel to the downward side of an incline, as this could result in instability and cause the wheelchair to tip. Also, avoid attempting to engage the wheel lock brakes while in motion, as it could cause the wheelchair to tip or bring the chair to a sudden, abrupt stop.
Wheelchair Stability
Roll Mobility wheelchairs are designed to be very stable and safe for the user as long as your center of gravity remains balanced while in the wheelchair. Take extreme care while participating in any activity that may shift the center of gravity in the chair. You should never attempt to reach so far that it requires you to shift in the seat or lean over out of the chair. When an object is out of reach, you should reposition the wheelchair so that you are able to maintain a firm center of gravity. Also, make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position, which will extend the wheel base and will naturally stabilize the chair.
Walking with a Cane
Used properly, a walking cane can help with balance or provide support after an injury or disability. The two basic types of canes are single tip canes and quad canes with a wide base and four tips. If you use the cane only for balance, a standard cane with a single tip is usually the best solution. If you lean on the cane for support, a heavier and more stable cane may be necessary to bear the extra weight. A quad cane can provide this extra support for weight bearing use.
Walking canes provide balance and help support your weight.
Walking with a Cane
- If you are using the cane only for balance, you may hold the cane in either hand, depending on which is most comfortable for you. If you are using the cane for bearing weight, hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side, opposite of the injury or affected limb.
- Move the cane forward at the same time as the opposite affected leg. The cane and injured leg should move forward and strike the ground at the same time.
- Lean your weight on the cane as needed, while moving your good leg forward.
Climbing Stairs
- When possible, hold on to the handrail for extra support while going up the stairs.
- To climb the stairs, step up on your good leg. The injured leg and cane should still be firmly planted on the floor.
- Step up with the injured leg onto the same step as your good leg, followed by the cane.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 to climb each stairstep.
Coming Down Stairs
- When possible, hold on to the handrail for extra support while going down the stairs.
- To come down the stairs, plant the cane firmly on the first step.
- Step down with your injured leg.
- Then step down with your good leg while leaning on the cane to help support your weight.
- Repeat steps 2-4 to descend the stairs.
Note: Do not use a wide base quad cane to negotiate stairs.
Folding Walker Setup and Adjustment
Folding walker diagram
Walker Setup and Adjustment
- Take the walker out of its packaging and unfold the two side frame panels by swinging them outward until they lock into place with the two top lock buttons.
- Adjust all four (4) extension legs (or wheels) to the required height by pressing the adjustment button in and either pulling down or pushing up on the leg. Make sure that the adjustment button securely pops into place. See “Finding the Correct Height for a Walker” below to find the correct height level for the user.
- After adjusting the walker, make sure that all four (4) legs are at the same height adjustment level. If one leg is shorter or longer than the others, the walker will rock and be unstable.
- To fold up the walker, press down on the release/lock button located on one side of the center brace and fold the side frame panel inward. Repeat for the opposite side frame.
Finding the Correct Height for a Walker
Before adjusting the folding walker for your height requirement, make sure that both the walker and user are on level ground. Also, it will be helpful to wear the shoes you will most often wear while using the walker to assure the most comfortable setting.
When your arms are extended downward, the top of the handle should be at wrist height. When your hands are placed on the hand grip, your elbows should be bent at a 20-30 degree angle. Raise or lower the walker legs as needed to conform to these specifications.
Roll Mobility Now Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii
Roll Mobility is excited to announce that we are now shipping to customers in Alaska and Hawaii! Because of the growing demand for our mobility equipment outside the continental U.S., we are working to expand our shipping to include a wider base of customers around the country.
Customers from Alaska and Hawaii can order our products online at www.rollmobility.com or by calling our customer service line at (888) 961-3334. Our regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm Central. Shipping charges will be added to your order for products shipped to Alaska and Hawaii. As always, we will continue to offer free shipping on all orders within the lower 48 states.
Exact delivery times may vary for Alaska and Hawaii. We will make every effort to make sure that your order gets to you as soon as possible. We ship out your order by the next business day, and we provide you with a tracking number that lets you know the status of your order and the estimated arrival date.
Our Alaska and Hawaii customers receive the same premium mobility products, 100% guarantee, responsive customer support, and warranty terms as all Roll Mobility customers.
Visit RollMobility.com to shop now!
Wheelchair Safety
Learn wheelchair safety before using your wheelchair.
General Use
- For your own safety and the safety of the individual in the wheelchair, do not operate or adjust a wheelchair without carefully reading and understanding all instructions contained in the user manual provided by the manufacturer.
Using the Wheel Locks
- Wheel locks should always be engaged when getting in or out of the wheelchair. Wheel locks should be engaged when in an elevator or wheelchair lift.
- The wheelchair should be on a smooth, stable, and level surface with the wheel locks engaged before transferring any user in or out of the wheelchair.
- Do not use the wheel locks to slow your descent down an incline.
Maintaining a Center of Balance
- Do not adjust the foot rests to come within 2 inches from floor. Do not stand on or apply weight to the foot rests when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
- Rotate the front casters to a front and forward position and engage the wheel locks before reaching or leaning forward in the wheelchair. This will help to stabilize the wheelchair and help prevent the wheelchair from tipping.
- Leaning over or applying weight to the top of the wheelchair will change the center of gravity and can cause the wheelchair to tip over. Only reach as far backward as your arms can extend without having to alter your seating position when trying to extend your arms over the back of the wheelchair.
- Do not stand on any part of the wheelchair.
- Do not abruptly change directions or turn the wheels parallel to the downward slope while going down an incline, as this could cause instability or possible tipping over.
Operating the Wheelchair
- Do not use this wheelchair as a mode of transportation on roadways, streets or any surfaces with automotive or other vehicle traffic.
- Do not attempt to use the wheelchair on inclines with a 10% grade or greater without proper assistance.
- This wheelchair has not been approved as a vehicle seat for use in any kind of vehicle.
- Always transfer the wheelchair user to a vehicle manufacturer’s approved seat and use the appropriate safety restraints available in the vehicle.
Our Badge
