Roll Mobility Blog
Wheelchair Ramp FAQs
An extended hook and steel security pins hold the portable van ramp in place.
What keeps the ramp from slipping off the landing?
The lip of the ramp is designed to rest firmly on the step or landing. The weight of the ramp and the weight of the wheelchair or scooter will hold the ramp in place. Steel security pins are included with PVI wheelchair ramps to anchor the ramp even more securely. Van ramps are available as portable ramps or mounted van ramps.
What happens if the ramp is too steep?
Manual wheelchairs will become too difficult to push if the ramp is too steep. Electric wheelchairs and scooters will either bottom out or stall on a steep ramp. If the chair bottoms out, the bottom plate or footrest will get stuck on the ramp and disable the drive wheels. If the chair stalls, the wheels will keep spinning but the chair will not have enough power to climb the ramp.
How do I install a van ramp if the threshold is higher than the van floor?
A conversion kit is required if the rear door threshold is higher than the van floor. You can purchase a conversion kit from a wheelchair ramp manufacturer. This kit lets you properly mount the ramp inside the rear door opening without interfering with the threshold trim. If you prefer a do-it-yourself option, you might also be able to raise the floor using a wooden pallet or platform secured to the van floor.
What about bumper cutouts?
If your vehicle has a cutout in the bumper that is larger than 30 inches wide (for example, a Cadillac Escalade), you will need to lay a piece of plywood (2×4) across the bumper to bridge the cutout and provide a solid platform for the wheelchair ramp.
Will a portable van ramp scratch my bumper?
PVI utility ramps are designed with an extended lip to clear the rear bumper; however, even with this extended lip, the ramp may still come in contact the bumper on some vehicles. If this happens, we recommend laying a rug or strip of carpet over the bumper before installing the portable ramp to prevent the paint on your bumper from getting scratched.
Bathroom Safety: Transfer Bench
A transfer bench can reduce the risk of falling in the bath or shower.
Using a transfer bench can reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom. Since fear of falling is one of the major causes of anxiety for the elderly, a transfer bench can make bathing a much more pleasant and safe experience both for the caregiver and the elderly person.
Choosing a Transfer Bench
To reduce slipping, choose a textured plastic seat. The drainage holes prevent water from puddling on the seat.
For more comfort, choose a vinyl padded seat or drape a towel over the molded plastic seat. Placing a towel on top of the vinyl padding reduces slipperiness that can occur because of the wet vinyl.
A back rest can increase comfort and improve sitting posture. Drape a towel over the back rest to make it more comfortable.
To make it easier to clean personal areas without standing up, you may want to consider a transfer bench with a cutout. Using a bath bench with a cutout requires good sitting posture to avoid slipping into the cutout.
Using a Transfer Bench
To avoid getting the bathroom floor wet, cut two slits in the shower curtain and insert this section of the curtain through the slit in the transfer bench. If your shower has doors, you will need to remove the doors and replace them with a shower curtain.
Glass shower doors are a potential safety hazard, since the person in the shower may automatically grab onto the door handle to keep from falling. The shower doors are not designed to hold weight, and if they come out of the tracks, they could cause serious injury.
Adjust the transfer bench legs so that the feet sit firmly on the tub floor and the seat is level. The legs on the outside of the tub will be longer than the legs inside the tub, since the bottom of the tub is higher than the bathroom floor. The seat should be adjusted to a comfortable transfer height for the user.
How to Push a Wheelchair Up and Down Ramps and Curbs
Push the wheelchair forward to go up the ramp. Pull it backwards to go down.
Learning how to safely push a wheelchair up and down ramps, curbs, landings, and other changes in elevation is important for the safety of the person sitting in the wheelchair and for the safety of the caregiver. Here are a few tips on how to navigate ramps and curbs.
Pushing a Wheelchair on a Ramp
When going up a ramp, push the wheelchair front-first. When going down a ramp, guide the wheelchair backwards down the ramp, keeping your body between the wheelchair and the bottom of the ramp.
As you are rolling the wheelchair down the ramp, face your body in the direction of the wheelchair and walk backwards while looking behind you in the direction you are moving. Keep a firm grip on the wheelchair at all times to keep it from rolling down the incline.
Navigating Curbs
When going up or down a curb, line up the wheelchair so that it is in a straight line with the curb. Both wheels should contact the curb at the same time. The wheelchair could tip or roll if only one wheel hits the curb first.
To go up a curb, face the front of the wheelchair to the curb and tilt the wheelchair back just enough to allow the front casters to clear the curb. Push the wheelchair forward and set the casters down on the curb. Then push the rear wheels up and over the curb.
To go down a curb, turn the wheelchair around so that the rear wheels are facing the curb. Gently lower the rear wheels down the curb, followed by the front casters.
How to Ensure a Correct Pulse Oximeter Reading
Make sure the pulse oximeter is properly attached to your finger for an accurate reading.
When you are measuring your oxygen saturation level and pulse using a finger oximeter, it’s important to ensure the reading is correct. Certain conditions may cause the oximeter to give an inaccurate reading. A good way to double check the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading is to check your pulse manually and compare the two readings.
Abnormal Pulse Oximeter Readings
Some common reasons for an inaccurate oximeter reading include the following:
- Nail polish – Remove polish or artificial nails before using the oximeter.
- Excessive movement – Remain as still as possible while taking an oximeter reading.
- Incorrect attachment – Make sure the probe is properly attached to your finger.
- Restricted blood flow – Pressure on the arms or fingers can restrict blood flow and affect the measurement of your oxygen saturation.
- Cold fingers – Poor circulation to the extremities can affect oximeter readings. Warm your hands and fingers before taking your pulse.
Other factors that can affect the pulse oximeter readings include the following:
- Electomagnetic waves from electric appliances or medical devices
- Excessively bright light
- Hypothermia or extremely cold fingers
- Anemia
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Certain types of seizures
- Shock resulting from blood loss or poor perfusion
- Abnormal hemoglobin
- Medical dyes
If your pulse oximeter reading is abnormally high or low, make sure you are following all recommended procedures for taking a pulse measurement and try checking your levels again.
Normal Blood Oxygen Saturation Levels
The normal range for blood oxygen saturation is between 96% and 100%. If your oxygen saturation level is below 90%, seek medical help immediately, as these levels could quickly lead to life-threatening complications. Levels between 90% and 95% may signify a less severe hypoxia and require immediate action to prevent a more severe case of hypoxia.
Rollator Walker Buying Guide
A rolling walker improves your balance and increases your endurance.
Why a rollator?
If you find it easier to get around the grocery store by leaning on a shopping cart, then a rollator might be the answer to your mobility needs. A rollator can improve your balance, increase your endurance, and give you more confidence to go where you want to go.
How will a rollator help me?
The wraparound frame supports your weight and allows you to walk with your normal gait. The wheels make it easy to move forward (easier than a 2-wheeled walker), but the brakes give you control when you need it. Some 4-wheeled rollators include a padded seat, which lets you take rest breaks and go farther without worrying about finding a bench or chair to sit on.
What type of rollator do I need?
First, you need to find a rollator that fits your height and weight. Make sure the rollator is able to support your weight. Check the manufacturer’s rated weight capacity. If your weight is at or near the weight limit, look for a rollator with a higher weight capacity. Heavy duty rollators are available for users who need more support for their weight.
Check the rollator handle height range to make sure the rollator will adjust to the right height. If the handles are too short, you will have to lean over the rollator as you walk, which results in poor posture. If the handles are too tall, you will not have the proper support.
Rollators are available in 3-wheel and 4-wheel styles. Three-wheel rollators are lighter in weight and easier to maneuver, but four-wheel rollators offer more stability. If you need more support for walking and balance, you should choose a four-wheel rollator. If you only need light walking support and would rather be able to scoot around corners easier, then you might be happier with a three-wheel rollator.
Now on Sale! Drive Medical Steel Transport Wheelchair 19″ Seat
Sale! $89 Steel Transport Wheelchair by Drive Medical
For a limited time only, the 19″ Steel Transport Wheelchair by Drive Medical is now on sale for $89! This transport chair weighs only 26 pounds and comes with a folding backrest for easy storage and transport. You’ll love the attractive silver vein finish and comfortable nylon upholstery that’s both durable and easy to clean. The 8″ casters offer a smooth ride over almost any surface for indoor and outdoor use.
Swing-away footrests come standard with this steel transport chair, along with padded armrests and a seat belt for added safety.
This $89 Steel Transport Chair is on sale for a limited time only! Free shipping with all orders to the lower 48 United States.
Features:
- 8″ casters in front and rear
- Back folds down for storage and transport
- Standard rear wheel locks
- Weighs only 26 lbs.
- Attractive silver vein finish
- Swing-away footrests come standard
- Comes with seat belt for added safety
- Padded armrests provide additional comfort
- Attractive nylon upholstery is durable and easy to clean
- Comes with upholstery handles to fold chair
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Drive Part Number TR39E-SV
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