Roll Mobility Blog
New! Bath Bench by Roll Mobility
Bath Benches by Roll Mobility
Roll Mobility has added three new bath benches to their product line: a bath bench with backrest, a standard bath bench (no backrest), and a folding bath bench.
Each of these products is designed to improve comfort and safety in the shower or bathtub for users who experience poor balance, difficulty standing or bending over, or loss of mobility due to rehabilitation, health problems, or aging.
Each bath bench features tool-free assembly that makes it quick and easy to put your bath bench together. The seat and backrest (if included) are contoured for more comfortable seating, and drainage holes in the seat reduce the risk of slipping. The legs are angled for better stability and can be adjusted for just the right height. The frame is constructed with lightweight aluminum material that is corrosion-proof, durable, and easy to clean.
For extra portability, the Roll Mobility folding bath bench folds up for storage and travel. It can be used on vacation or business trips and stored for occasional use.
To find out more, visit these product pages:
Walker Ski Glides from Roll Mobility
Universal Fit Walker Ski Glide
Does your loved one struggle to pick up a two-wheeled walker and move it forward? Installing walker ski glides can make it easier to move the walker because they reduce friction and eliminate the need to lift the walker. Unlike traditional rubber tips that drag on carpet and linoleum, walker glides literally glide along the floor. Ski glides can be used on almost any surface, including carpets and rugs, wood floors, tiling, and even sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces.
Walker ski glides are quick and easy to install. Roll Mobility offers two designs: one with a universal fit and one with a tool-adjustable fit. Both types are designed to fit walkers with a 1″ tube frame. Simply remove the rubber tips, insert the new ski glides, and tighten (if applicable). The durable composite construction ensures long life.
Tool-Adjustable Walker Ski Glide
See the specifications below for more information on these products.
Walker Ski Glide
- For Standard Walkers with 1” Tube Frame
- Easy Installation
- Durable Construction
- Sold in Pairs
Deluxe Walker Ski Glide
- For Standard Walkers with 1” Tube Frame
- Tool Adjustable Fit
- Durable Construction
- Sold in Pairs
3 Wheel Rollators by Drive Medical Now Available at Roll Mobility
3 Wheel Rollators by Drive Medical
The Winnie Lite Supreme Aluminum 3 Wheel Rollator by Drive Medical is now available at RollMobility.com. This rollator is available in three designs: tan plaid, blue flame, and red flame. The Winnie Lite is an ultra-lightweight rollator that weighs only 9 pounds! With three wheels, this rollator is easy to store and folds up in a compact size for easy carrying and storage.
7.5″ wheels make this rollator ideal for indoor or outdoor use. The loop lock hand brakes are easy to use, and the adjustable handle height ensures comfort and safety during use. A carry pouch is included to hold newspapers, magazines, reading glasses, and other items. A limited lifetime warranty covers the rollator and brake cable. See our product pages for more information on 3 wheel rollators by Drive.
Features:
- 7.5″ Wheels
- Locking Loop Brakes
- Ergonomic Hand Grips
- Removable Storage Bag
- Folds Up Easily for Compact Storage and Transport
- Tan Plaid, Blue Flame, or Red Flame Color
- Limited Lifetime Warranty on Rollator and Brake Cable
Rolling Walker Buying Guide
This 3 wheeled rollator is lightweight and easy to steer.
A rolling walker can increase confidence and independence. The stability that a walker offers can compensate for a loss of strength or balance, whether temporary or permanent. Here are some things to consider when choosing a rolling walker:
Size and Height
In order for you to feel comfortable and safe while walking, the rolling walker should be adjusted to fit your height and posture. Make sure the walker height (or handle height) is adjustable. Your wrists should be able to comfortably rest on the handles without causing you to slouch or bend over as you walk. The seat height should be short enough for your feet to rest flat on the floor but tall enough to make it easy to stand up.
Walker Width
The width of the rolling walker should be narrow enough to fit through the doorways in your home. If the walker is too wide, it may not fit through the bathroom or bedroom doorway, leaving you without the confidence and support of your walker when you need it most. If your doorways are especially narrow, consider removing the door or retrofitting the home to make it more accessible.
Wheel Size
Large wheels roll smoothly over outdoor surfaces and rougher terrain. Smaller wheels are better suited for indoor use and level surfaces. Rollators generally come with 6-inch or 8-inch wheels. Wheeled walkers generally come with 4-inch or 5-inch front wheels.
4 wheeled rollators offer greater stability for the user.
Number of Wheels
Rolling walkers can be divided into two basic categories: wheeled walkers and rollators. Wheeled walkers have four legs with two wheels on the front. Rollators are made with three wheels or four wheels. Since rollators have wheels on all of their legs, they are easier to move than a wheeled walker. Three wheeled rollators offer the advantage of lighter weight and easier maneuverability, while four wheeled rollators give the user greater stability.
Walker Accessories
Features such as a storage bag or basket, cup holder, tray, or other accessories can increase the comfort of your walker and give you a place to store items. Since both hands need to be free in order to use the walker, storage compartments are handy to have.
Weight Capacity
The rolling walker should be able to support the full weight of the user at minimum. Heavy duty models are available for heavier users. Most walkers support anywhere from 250 pounds for a lightweight model to 500 pounds for a bariatric model.
Portability
Smaller, lightweight rolling walkers are easier to lift into a trunk; however, the lighter the walker, the less stable it will be. Walker weight generally ranges from just over 6 pounds for a lightweight walker to nearly 30 pounds for a bariatric rollator.
Folding walkers also increase portability. If you need to transport the walker or store it while not in use, look for a folding model.
How to Use Rollator Loop Lock Brakes
Drive Medical rollator with loop lock brakes
Loop lock brakes on your rollator offer a safe and easy way to lock the rollator wheels in place. Because of this locking mechanism, you can rest on the padded seat without fear of having it roll out from underneath you as you are sitting down or standing up.
Loop lock brakes are simple to use, once you know how.
Rollator Brake Instructions
- To slow down or come to a temporary stop:
- To temporarily lock wheels in position:
- To release wheel locks:
To engage the rollator brakes, pull up slowly on the loop locks with four fingers until the rollator slows down or comes to a temporary stop. Release the pressure on the loop locks to resume walking.
To lock the rollator in place, press down on both loop locks with your palms until you hear a “click” that lets you know the wheels are locked and it is safe to use the padded seat.
When you are ready to move again, push up on both loop locks with the palms of your hands to return the loop locks to their original position.
Safety Precautions:
- Lock both brakes.
- Test the loop locks before operating the rollator.
- Fully engage the wheel locks.
The first thing to remember when using rollator brakes is to always engage and disengage the wheel locks on both sides simultaneously. Engaging only one wheel lock is not sufficient to lock the rollator in place.
When the wheels are locked, the lock bar on the rear wheels should keep the wheels from turning. If the wheels turn while the brakes are locked, please contact your supplier for service. When the locks are released, the wheels should turn freely.
Always make sure the loop locks are fully engaged and the wheels are locked before using the rollator seat.
Drive Medical Bariatric and Transforming Transport Wheelchairs Now Available
Drive Medical bariatric and transforming transport wheelchairs are now available at Roll Mobility. These wheelchairs comes with a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Drive Medical Bariatric Transport Chair
Bariatric Transport Wheelchairs
The bariatric transport chairs are available in 20 and 22 inch widths with a red or blue frame. It comes with dual, reinforced steel cross braces for heavy duty support. Individuals weighing up to 450 pounds can use this transport chair with confidence.
The seat upholstery is reinforced for long life and comes with a back carry pouch for books, magazines, sunglasses, and other small items. The 12″ rear wheels are flat free, and the desk length arms are removable and reversible.
Features:
- Dual, reinforced steel cross braces
- Supports individuals up to 450 pounds
- Reinforced steel frame provides added support
- Heavy duty, nylon reinforced upholstery with a back carry pouch
- Removable, reversible desk length arms
- Adjustable leg support
- 12″ flat free rear wheels
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drive Medical Transforming Transport Wheelchair
Transforming Transport Wheelchairs
The lightweight Pollywog transforming transport wheelchairs are available in 18 and 20 inch widths with a silver frame. This two-in-one wheelchair converts from a self-propelled wheelchair with 24″ quick release wheels into a transport chair with 8″ casters.
Instead of buying two wheelchairs, you only need one! This wheelchair comes with two sets of wheel locks for use as a self-propelled or transport chair. Other features include a lightweight aluminum frame, durable nylon upholstery, swingaway footrests, and anti-tippers for safety.
Features:
- Can be used as standard self propelled wheelchair or a transport chair all in one
- Quick release 24″ wheels can be removed to transition self propelled chair to a transport chair
- All aluminum frame
- Comes with two sets of aluminum wheel locks: one for use with wheelchair, one for use with transport chair
- Fold down back with deluxe back release
- Nylon upholstery
- Comes standard with swingaway footrests with composite footplates and heel loops
- 8″ casters
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Wheelchair Legrests
The Unity Wheelchair includes swingaway, removable legrests.
Wheelchair legrests are one of the accessories that can make a wheelchair more comfortable for the user. When a loved one needs assistance getting around in a manual wheelchair, legrests give them a place to rest their feet and keep them from dragging on the floor or getting caught in the front casters.
Types of Legrests
Different types of legrests include swingaway, removable, and elevating. Swingaway legrests do just that: they swing away from the front of the wheelchair to make it easier getting in and out of the wheelchair. The swingaway feature also allows you to push the wheelchair closer to countertops and desks.
Removable legrest riggings can be taken off the wheelchair. For users who propel themselves with their feet, riggings may be a hindrance rather than a help and are better off removed. Also, removing the riggings lightens the wheelchair to make it easier to lift into a trunk or van.
Elevating legrests are helpful for users with poor circulation or who need to keep their legs elevated. These type of riggings include calf pads to cradle the legs and increase comfort.
Tool-free adjustment makes it easy to adjust the length of the leg riggings.
Adjusting the Legrest Length
Most legrests are height adjustable to accommodate different leg lengths. For the proper legrest length, the footplate should comfortably support the weight of the user’s foot and lower leg and relieve pressure on the thighs. If the length of the legrest is too long, the user will feel pressure at the edge of the seat under the thigh. If the length of the legrest is too short, there will be too much pressure on the buttocks, and the knees will stick up higher than necessary. To find the ideal legrest length, adjust the riggings so that the user’s knees and hips line up.
Some legrests must be adjusted with tools. Others come with tool-free adjustment, allowing you to lock and unlock the leg length by flipping a lever. A simple push-button adjustment makes it easy to raise or lower the legrest.
Types of Wheelchair Ramps
Not being able to access certain areas with your wheelchair can be a major source of frustration. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of ramps available to give you access almost anywhere your wheelchair will fit. The information below will help you find the right type of wheelchair ramp to fit your needs.
Permanent and Semi-Permanent Ramps
These types of access ramps are designed to remain permanently in place or semi-permanently for an extended period of time. Since most houses and living areas have steps leading up to the door, This type of ramp is what most wheelchair users need to access their homes. An aluminum modular ramp, such as those available from PVI, is designed to withstand weather exposure and requires little or no maintenance. It can be customized to fit your needs regarding length, turns, switchbacks, and handrails, etc, and can handle a rise of up to five feet.
If you need help building a permanent ramp, it may be worth your time to check into wheelchair ramp volunteers in your area. Some organizations offer financial help and/or labor to build ramps for wheelchair users.
This multifold portable wheelchair ramp separates into sections and includes handle for easy carrying.
Portable Wheelchair Ramps
When you’re away from home, you never know when you’ll need help getting over a curb or up a few steps. That’s where a portable wheelchair ramp comes in handy.
These ramps are designed to be small enough to fit easily in a vehicle and light enough to be carried. They are available in many different styles, including solid, single-fold, multi-fold, multi-section, telescoping, roll up, and track ramps. Each type of ramp differs in size (folded and open), weight, and the ability to separate sections of the ramp for easy carrying.
Multifold ramps generally separate into two sections for easier carrying. Because of the center locking hinge and separating panels, these ramps can be twice as long as singlefold ramps without sacrificing portability. Bariatric ramps are available for users who require a higher weight capacity.
This threshold ramp from PVI is available in Cappuccino and Nutmeg to complement the colors in your home.
Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps smooth out the transition from one room into the next or from outdoors to indoors. The height of the threshold may prevent the wheelchair user from entering the room or make it much harder to do so. With a threshold ramp in place, the transition is effortless. These ramps are available in different styles, including self-supporting, semi-permanent, rubber, and aluminum. Some are available in attractive colors to complement your home or business décor.
Van Ramps
Van ramps make it easier to get in and out of a vehicle with your wheelchair. They also make it easier for a caregiver to load a wheelchair into the back of a vehicle. Van ramps can be permanently mounted or portable for use with more than one vehicle.
Bed to Wheelchair Transfer
Helping your loved one out of bed and into a wheelchair can be done safely when following the proper guidelines. We recommend practicing with a healthcare professional before attempting a bed to wheelchair transfer on your own. A professional can make sure you are using the correct body positioning and lifting techniques, as well as help you learn how to communicate clearly with your loved one throughout the transfer process.
A wheelchair with flip-back arms can make transfers easier.
Here are some basic guidelines for a bed to wheelchair transfer:
- Position the wheelchair parallel to the bed on the person’s stronger side.
- Lock the bed brakes, if applicable.
- Swing the legrests out of the way or remove them from the wheelchair.
- Lock the wheelchair brakes.
- Make sure your loved one is wearing non-slip footwear, such as rubber-soled slippers.
- Communicate with your loved one throughout the transfer process to let him know what will happen next. Ask for feedback often to make sure your loved one is comfortable throughout the transfer.
- While keeping your knees bent and back straight, help your loved one into a sitting position by placing one arm under his shoulders and the other arm on his hips. Turn him toward you and move his legs until they are dangling over the side of the bed.
- Once your loved one is in a sitting position, encourage him to sit still for two minutes while his equilibrium adjusts. If he is dizzy, wait until the dizziness has passed before continuing the transfer. If dizziness, discomfort, or pain persists after several minutes, help your loved one lie back down.
- When you are ready for the transfer from a sitting position to the wheelchair, put your arms around your loved one’s waist and grab his waistband securely. Your loved one should be sitting on the edge of the bed and leaning slightly forward with feet flat on the floor and pointing straight ahead. The caregiver’s feet should be pointing towards the bed, with one foot between your loved one’s feet (and your knee between his knees) and the other foot outside of his feet and slightly further back.
- Bend your knees, tighten your abdominal and gluteal muscles, and keep your back straight as you prepare for the transfer. Get as close as possible to your loved one, in a hugging position.
- Tell your loved one to stand on the count of three. Gently rock your loved one forward with each count to increase momentum.
- On the count of three, help your loved one stand by pulling up on his waistband. If possible, have your loved one push himself up from the bed to assist with the transfer.
- Pivot with your loved one towards the wheelchair until his back is facing the chair. Instruct him to grab the armrest as you gently help him sit.
- Once your loved one is safely seated in the wheelchair, you may put the legrests back in place, if needed, and unlock the wheelchair brakes.
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