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?
as in such cases, operating a regular walker can prove to be quite difficult. The most common
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.
The fit of the rollator
Comfort is one of the most important aspects when it comes to finding a good rollator, which is why you need to ensure that your rollator fits both your height and weight.
So, you want to measure the handle height that you require before looking for a certain model. What you want to look for is that your elbows are at a 15-degree angle when holding onto the grips of the rollator. You also want to look for a comfortable grip.
After you have assessed the height, make sure that you also look for the weight capacity of the model. Lastly, if your rollator has a seat, make sure that you measure the height and width of the seat as well.
Portability and storage
This aspect might not be all that much important for you if you don’t travel all that much. On the other hand, if you happen to be traveling in a car while bringing your rollator with you, having a model that can be easily folded is going to make the entire process way easier.
In general, three-wheeled models tend to be lighter and can be folded up into a smaller size, making them extremely convenient for traveling.
In the end, taking time to assess all of the previously discussed aspects individually is undoubtedly going to ensure that you end up finding the perfect model that fits all your needs and preferences!
