Some patients find it difficult to walk a long distance, can’t manage their balance, have lesser strength in legs or are on the path of recovery from a limb surgery. A mobility aid can help in this regard by assisting the person to walk around comfortably on their own. The next and most important question that pops up is how can one choose the right mobility aid which will suit the patient’s needs.
What is a rollator?
A rollator is a mobile stability aid. It is available in 3 or 4 wheeled versions. It is available in different colours and is more stylish when compared with a walker. It has wheels and brake systems which make them heavier than walkers. A rollator has a seat which gives immediate comfort to a person if they feel tired after walking for a long duration of time. Most of the rollators also have a basket below the seat to store anything if required. 3 wheel Rollator A rollator with 3 wheels can fit in small spaces, turn around sharply and have enhanced maneuverability. These are lighter than their four-wheeled counterparts but they don’t have a seat. 4 Wheel Rollator The classic 4-wheeled rollator provides easy mobility and strong stability. These rollators improve mobility and walking speed too. As they have 4 wheels they need steering and easy operation of the brake by hand.Walkers vs Rollators: Is there a difference?
The first thing that has to be decided is whether one needs a walker or a rollator. Because these two terms are totally different and don’t overlap with each other. The difference is based on the criteria of the presence of wheels. A walker has 4 legs which stay connected to the ground when one is moving. Most of the walkers need a lift to move ahead. And some walkers are enhanced with two wheels having ski glides on the backside. A walker has 4 legs which stay connected to the ground when one is moving. Most of the walkers need a lift to move ahead. And some walkers are enhanced with two wheels having ski glides on the backside.When should one use a rollator?
A rollator is best for people who can walk normally but would need a little assistance regarding balance and stability. The rollators help you to walk quickly, assisting in managing a normal gait. The user can steer the rollator and operate the hand brakes according to requirements.Whether to choose a walker or rollator according to need?
- Place of usage : Some rollators have large wheels and big seats equipped for outdoor usage and some others are better for indoor usage. Though both types of rollators can be used interchangeably there can come up some issues regarding the usage as well. The issues are faster deterioration of wheels or movement of wider outdoor rollators in stuffy places. So one needs to know where the rollator will be used and then decide on the choice accordingly.
- The frequency of usage : A rollator is usually large and heavy and can weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. So loading it on other means of transport like a car, bus, or an airplane can be difficult if required on a frequent basis. Though there are compact and lighter folding rollators too available for traveling
- Weight : It’s important to find out what is the proper weight capacity of a rollator. Standard rollators are usually of 250-300 pounds but heavy duty rollators are also available of 400 to 500 pounds. So it is required to choose the rollator suiting one’s needs
- Style : The walkers and rollators come in various shapes and sizes and it becomes necessary to focus on the height of the seats and handles depending on the requirement.
- Size : There are many elderly people who are picky about the style of a rollator. Most of them do not like old fashioned and boring looking rollators. And to their relief just like everything else rollator models have also come a long way in style and comfort aspects. Today one can find complete innovation and design in the new models which are classy and stylish in appearance, comfortable and easy to operate too.
