All About Selecting The Right Rollator

Rolling Walkers have replaced the old fashioned walkers which were slow. They have emerged as the most convenient ways of mobility for patients who need help with balance. They are mainly of three types:

1.       Standard Walker: They are most widely used. Wheels are attached to each of the four legs and the brakes are provided with the handgrips. It is used by heavyweight people.

2.       Three Wheeled Walker: It is lighter, smaller and a more flexible walker because of its three wheel design. As compared to the standard walkers, they cannot support heavy weights.

3.       Knee Walker: This one is best for people with leg or foot injury. It is a better option than crutches as it can support the knees. They provide good mobility and offer an additive feature of carrying a basket or holder.

Several brands throughout the world manufacture rolling walkers but it is important to the carefully select the rollator. Here are a few points that can help you select the right rollator:

1.       Take the Opinion of a Licensed Physicist: Rolling walker can cause an accident if it does not suit the patient. The best thing is to begin with his/her advice.

2.       Height: See that the height of the handle bars is at the comfortable level so that neither the arm muscles nor the back take extra burden.

3.       Weight: The wheels should be able to support your weight. If the rolling walker also has a seat, check whether the walker is able to maintain its balance when the patient is seated.

4.       The walker should have the means to use so that one can take its help to get up from a seated position.

5.       The diameter of the Wheels: The maneuverability of the rolling walker depends upon the diameter of the wheels. Usually 6-inch and 8-inch diameter is available.

6.       Number of wheels: 2 wheel walkers are best for first timers, 3 wheel walkers for narrow spaces and 4 wheeled are the easiest to use, stable and can offer multiple features.

7.       Braking Mechanism: See whether the loop brakes or the push-down brakes are required. Loop brakes are easiest to use, they require the user to squeeze the brakes. If the patient has weakness in arm muscles or arthritis, then it is not the right braking system. The push-down brakes require the user to lean and transfer their weight to the rollator. They are neither good for very light people or for too heavy ones.