Roll Mobility Blog
Wheelchair Armrest Basics
Wheelchair with flip back arms
The style and features of your wheelchair armrests can make your wheelchair more comfortable, make it easier to get in and out of your wheelchair, and let you get closer to desks and tables. Here are a few of the different types of armrests available.
Full Length – Full length armrests are longer than desk length arms. They make it easier to get in and out of the wheelchair, and the longer length provides more support for your arms.
Desk Length – This type of armrest is shorter, which allows the wheelchair user to get closer to desks, countertops, and tables. Although desk length arms don’t provide as much support as full length arms, the padding still provides comfortable support.
Fixed – A basic wheelchair model includes fixed armrests that are permanently attached to the chair. They are sturdy and provide support for your weight.
Removable – Removable armrests can be taken off to make transfers easier and to provide closer access to tables and desks.
Flip Back – Wheelchairs with flip-back arm rests allow you to lift the armrest out of the way for transfers and desk access. Some armrests both remove and flip back for the most versatility.
How to Set Up a Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Make sure the wheelchair ramp is stable before use.
A portable wheelchair ramp provides access to landings for wheelchair users. Ramps are available in a variety of styles and lengths depending on your needs. The following instructions will help you set up your ramp for use.
Portable Wheelchair Ramp Setup Instructions
Joining the Ramp Halves
To join the two halves of a multifold ramp, lock the two halves of the ramp together by aligning the hinges and rotating the cam pin to the locked position. You can either join the two halves before setting up the ramp or you can set up one half of the ramp and then attach the second half of the ramp by aligning the hinges and locking the cam pin.
Setting Up the Ramp
- Position the wheelchair ramp about a ramp’s length away from the steps or landing.
- Stand up the ramp on its end, with the open ends on the ground.
- Unfasten the Velcro straps located near the bottom of the ramp.
- Make sure the handle is lined up with the center of where you want the ramp to be.
- Bend down and grab the bottom half of the ramp. Unfold the ramp and stretch it out towards the step or landing area.
- Set the lip of the ramp down on the landing. The top lip should rest securely on the landing, with the ramp pressed firmly against the step. Make sure the landing is substantial enough to hold the ramp securely.
- Make sure the Velcro straps are located on the underside of the ramp to avoid a tripping hazard.
- Unfold the top half of the ramp.
- Then unfold the ramp lengthwise. Make sure the ramp is pressed firmly against the step to prevent the ramp from slipping off the landing during use. The ramp should be centered on the landing.
Securing and Testing the Ramp
- Whenever possible, anchor the top of the ramp to the landing surface with the steel security pins provided.
- Test the ramp to make sure it is stable before allowing an occupied wheelchair on the ramp.
- Use the built-in level to check the slope. The ADA recommends a maximum 2:12 slope for portable wheelchair ramp use. For loading unoccupied equipment, a 3:12 slope is acceptable.
Removing the Ramp
To remove the ramp, reverse the setup process. For easier carrying, separate the two halves of the ramp.
Roll Mobility Supports Courage Center
George Lee of Roll Mobility with Courage Center staff members
Roll Mobility is introducing a new line of wheelchair accessories that will support Courage Center, a Minnesota-based non-profit that focuses on rehabilitation and independence for people with disabilities. George Lee, founder and owner of Roll Mobility, has been deeply involved with Courage Center through his volunteer efforts for the past 10 years.
But Lee wanted to do more: “I asked myself ‘how can I as a for-profit business help Courage Center meet their business needs and mission by what I do?’” Using his experience as the owner and founder Roll Mobility, Lee brainstormed ways to help Courage Center generate funds through online retail. The result is a new line of custom-designed wheelchair products.
With the help of Courage Center’s Shop Services and Assistive Technology departments, the Roll Mobility team chose six products to begin selling on their website, including a wheelchair bag that fits underneath the seat, two wheelchair bags that offer easy access by the wheelchair user, and easy-on push gloves. Beginning in the spring of 2011, Roll Mobility will begin selling these new wheelchair accessories, with sales of these products going to benefit Courage Center.
For more information about Courage Center, visit CourageCenter.org.
How to Use a Commode
A stand-alone commode can be used in the bedroom or over a standard toilet.
If your loved one finds it difficult to make it to the bathroom, or if he or she needs more support for using the toilet, a commode can provide the extra assistance and safety needed. A commode can be used as a stand-alone toilet in the bedroom or as a support system over a standard toilet in the bathroom.
Sitting Down
- Before using a commode, make sure it is level and stable and that the brakes are fully locked if the commode has wheels.
- To sit down on a commode, back up until the back of your legs touch the commode.
- Reach your arms back and grab the armrests. Get a firm grasp on both armrests before attempting to sit down on the commode.
- Slowly lower yourself onto the commode, bending your elbows, hips, and knees as you sit down.
Standing Up
- Use both armrests to push yourself up from the commode. Stand up slowly, using your legs as much as possible.
- Stand still for a minute or two before walking to allow your body to adjust to the change in elevation.
How to Use a Cane for Sitting and Standing
Canes provide support for standing and sitting as well as walking.
Besides helping you keep your balance as you walk, a cane can provide support for sitting down in a chair and getting back up again. Here is how to safely use your cane to help you sit or stand.
Sitting Down in a Chair:
- Using the cane for balance, back up in front of the chair until the back of your legs touch the chair seat.
- Reach back with one or both hands and grasp the arm rest(s) as you bend forward slightly. You can either hold the cane in one hand as you grab the arm rest or rest it against the chair before you sit down.
- Using the arm rest and cane for support, slowly lower yourself into the chair.
- Slide back in the chair until your pelvis touches the backrest.
Standing Up from a Chair:
- Scoot forward in the chair until you are sitting on the edge of the seat.
- To use your cane while standing up, grasp the cane in the hand opposite your affected leg.
- Grasp the arm rest with your other hand.
- Move your weak leg forward a few inches.
- Using both arm rests and the cane for support, bend your upper body forward slightly and slowly stand up.
- With your weak leg slightly in front, the weight of your body should transfer to the strong leg and cane as you stand.
- Wait a minute or two before walking to allow your body to adjust to standing up. The feeling of lightheadedness should pass quickly.
Wheelchair Fitting
Wheelchair fitting is important for comfort and posture.
A poor fitting wheelchair is one of the main reasons that a disabled or aging individual resists using a wheelchair. A poorly fitted wheelchair is uncomfortable, difficult to use, and can result in strain or injury. Here are a few tips on making sure the wheelchair is a right fit for the user:
Finding the Right Wheelchair Size
Look for a wheelchair with the correct seating measurements for the user. The seat width, height, and depth should allow the user to sit comfortably, with no strain or pinching on the user’s back, legs, and hips. Although seat width and seat depth are fixed, some manual wheelchairs allow for adjustment to the seat height.
Seat Width
To find the correct seat width, measure the width of the user’s hips. Then add a couple of inches to allow for wiggle room and heavy clothing.
Seat Height
If the wheelchair includes adjustable height leg riggings, you can adjust the height of the riggings to find the right seat height. When the seat is adjusted correctly, it should not pinch the back of the knees or place too much weight on the buttocks. The thighs should be parallel with the seat.
If the user will be self-propelling the wheelchair with their feet, look for a wheelchair with a hemi height setting. The seat height should be low enough for the user to comfortably reach the floor and scoot around with their feet.
Seat Depth
Correct seat depth allows for proper posture and prevents the edge of the seat from pinching the back of the user’s knees (if the seat is too deep) or causing the user’s weight to fall on the thighs (if the seat is too narrow). As a guideline, there should be no more than two inches between the edge of the seat and the back of the user’s knee. For proper posture, the user’s pelvis should be all the way to the back of the seat so that the back of the pelvis touches the seat back.
Paraffin Treatment for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Paraffin wax treatment provides relief for arthritis and joint pain.
Bothered by arthritis, joint pain, or dry skin? Paraffin wax treatment can ease your symptoms and provide temporary relief for your joints. This soothing, moisturizing heat treatment is a non-invasive and natural method of pain relief that is easy to use at home. Use it daily, or as needed, to get the most benefit from paraffin treatment. Here are a few tips on how to use a paraffin wax bath:
Preparation
Melt the wax in a paraffin bath, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. When the wax is melted and ready for use, test the temperature of the wax by brushing a small amount on your wrist. If the wax is too hot, turn down the temperature on the paraffin bath (or unplug the unit, if the temperature cannot be adjusted) and let the wax cool slightly before testing it again on your wrist. When the wax reaches the correct temperature for your comfort level, you are ready to begin the paraffin treatment.
Remove all jewelry from around your hands, feet, elbows, or other area to be treated, and roll up your sleeves or pant legs, if necessary, to keep them out of the wax. Wash and dry the skin around the treatment area, and apply a hydrating cream for better absorption.
Paraffin Treatment Instructions
- Slowly dip your hands and wrists into the wax, keeping your fingers straight. (Elbows and feet may also be treated.)
- Remove your hands from the wax and wait a few seconds until the wax stops dripping. Dip your hands into the wax up to 10 more times.
- After treating your hands or feet, cover them with a plastic liner. Then slip insulated mitts or booties over your hands and feet to retain the heat.
- After 10 to 20 minutes (or until the wax begins to cool), remove the mitts, booties, and plastic liners.
- Gently peel away the cooled wax coating to reveal softer, rejuvenated skin.
- Discard the used plastic liners and used paraffin wax.
Refills
If the paraffin bath is for personal use only, you may reuse the wax remaining in the tub and add refill paraffin wax as needed. Do not reuse the wax coating removed from the skin around the treatment area, as it now contains dead skin cells. If the paraffin bath is used by more than one individual, use new paraffin wax for each treatment.
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