What is a Rollator and How to Choose One
For all of the people that are suffering from any type of injury, disability, old age, or a condition that impacts mobility, mobility aids such as rollators and walkers are indispensable devices. Not only do they help a person simply get from point a to point b, but they also ensure that the person benefits from more comfort, stability, and support. On top of that, a properly chosen mobility aid device is vital for preventing falls and injuries. All of that being said though, understanding the importance of a mobility device such as a rollator is one thing, but choosing the one that’s most suitable is a whole other story – and the fact that there are countless options out there. That is exactly why, in this article, we are going to help you find a perfect rollator.
What is a rollator exactly?
People oftentimes tend to mix up rollators and walkers. While their purpose is the same, the difference lies in the fact that while the rollator relies on wheels for movement, a walker needs to be lifted instead. This is exactly why a rollator is sometimes called a wheeled walker.
A rollator consists of a frame structure that’s equipped with either three or four large wheels, handlebars, and in most cases - a built-in seat. As mobility and accessibility professionals over at UpliftingMobility.com explain, a rollator is a great option for people whose condition requires them to stop and rest often, as well as for those that struggle with balance and have lower upper body strength,
as in such cases, operating a regular walker can prove to be quite difficult. The most common
distinction between rollators is based on the number of wheels, but we’ll be covering that in more detail later on.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s talk about what you should look for when looking for
a rollator.
Where will you primarily be using the rollator?
Assessing your regular surroundings are extremely important when it comes to purchasing a rollator. Let’s see what you should look for depending on your surroundings:- If you’ll primarily utilize your rollator indoors, opting for a rollator with smaller wheels is optimal. You should also measure the doorways in your home in order to ensure that the rollator fits through them. This also applies to taking maneuvering into account, as even though a rollator may fit through the door when you’re entering a room from a certain angle, it just might not fit.
- If you plan to use it outdoors more often, make sure that you choose a rollator with wheels that are 8″ in diameter or even bigger since larger wheels handle rough terrain way better.
Three wheels or four wheels?
When it comes to the number of wheels, you are ultimately going to make the compromise between stability and maneuvering. This is because a 3-wheel rollator is going to be easier to maneuver but on the other hand, a 4-wheel model is going to be more stable.How much support do you need from the rollator?
This aspect is directly connected to the previous one due to the fact that four-wheel rollators, in general, provide more stability than three-wheel models. So, in case you need more support for those long-distance walks, or if you just need to take short breaks while walking in general, a four-wheel model is going to ensure that you enjoy your walks way more.
