A rollator is a piece of mobility equipment that assists people with some types of disability to walk with a great level of independence.
It is composed of frame support with three or four wheels with handlebars with breaks (like the ones seen on common bicycles), a seat, and a basket underneath the seat in some models.
The basic principles of a regular walker are to provide support to people who need help to walk due to:
Difficulty balancing.
Insecurity at danger of falling.
Need to stop to avoid fatigue.
In life, it is normal that we reach a season of it in which we will need or have a loved one who requires help to walk safely.
Accepting that reality can be difficult when this moment comes into our lives.
Is it your case?
As individuals, it is normal that some may perceive utilizing a mobility device as a loss of independence.
In contrast, others can feel more secure perceiving it as the necessary support that reduces their chances of falling, apart from feeling more independent because they do not have or will have to depend on another individual to help them with their mobility and know that they will not be prisoners in their home.
How do you value which one is right for you with the ampleness of options available between walkers and rollators?
Which one is right for you?
We will develop this blog to enable you to choose the walker that offers the best maneuverability, stability, and safety according to your condition.
Difference Between A Rollator And A Walker
The main difference between a walker and a rollator is that rollators usually have three of four wheels, requiring the user to push the equipment while walkers that have support don’t have any, which require the user to lift and reposition the equipment for locomotion.
If you are an older adult with mobility problems or a loved one in these conditions, having a rollator/walker on hand and using it when you consider it appropriate has essential advantages.
Knowing the difference between these mobile devices will help you choose the most appropriate to maintain your independence when walking around your own home or taking a quiet walk down the street.
Knowing that the walker will promote the desired balance and stability is effective.
However, it is always convenient to have precise medical advice.
Here are factors to help you decide which mobility aid might be the best solution for a user:
Irregular terrain can be challenging to either rollators or walkers, so consider your or the patient’s upper body strength once it may demand constant lifting for daily use.
Check whether you or the patient can bear a wheeled product, particularly if they have difficulty with hand grip, stability, and balance.
A good hand grip is important on both rollators and walkers.
These devices are lightweight, but they can be deceiving.
Good and safe use of these devices will depend on the user’s physical condition.
Lifting, balancing, pressing brakes are all to be considered.
If you are involved in various activities and frequently leave your home, you may need to plan on purchasing a device that you can fold for easy storage and transport.
To make sure you can find a suitable fit, consider your health and height and weight factors as well.
Consider your / your patient’s budget when evaluating which product would work best.
And, as always, check with your physician if a rollator or walker are good solutions.
Both types of walkers have structures constructed of light and resistant material such as aluminum and adjustable to adapt to various user heights.
Additionally, they are available in collapsible and non-collapsible options.
They are not suitable for stairways.
You may need another person’s assistance to go up or downstairs, or you can also find other solutions like stairlifts, for example.
Walker:
When purchasing a product of this type, it is essential to know the different options available:
Rigid walker,
Folding Walker,
Folding walker with wheels
Standard (rigid/foldable) is a simple, lightweight device without wheels.
Bariatric walker model, XXL for large users.
The user must have sufficient arm strength to lift the walker and proceed step by step.
According to therapists, it is the most balanced solution for those who need a little extra help.
They do not come with a seat to rest; they are challenging to maneuver outdoors on uneven pavement or gravel.
On the other hand, two-wheeled walkers, which facilitate mobility, in addition to the characteristics described above, are also procurable for use by a person who does not need as much support but who is not balanced enough to use a four-wheeled walker.
Rollator
Available in three- and four-wheel styles.
They offer a major range of mobility and have front caster wheels that help turn.
The universe of models has different wheels designed for indoor and outdoor use.
You have weight limitations, so you should pay attention to the kilos that the rollator can support and choose the suitable model for your weight.
They are designed with a hand brake that allows you or the patient to stop the walker when necessary.
They are intended to be used outdoors and on uneven surfaces and withstand heavyweights.
Most rollators have a padded seat and back for resting, except for the 3-wheel versions, as well as a basket or bag to carry personal items.
There is a four-wheel rollator for every need.
Who Should Not Use A Rollator?
Available in three- and four-wheel styles.
They offer a major range of mobility and have front caster wheels that help turn.
The universe of models has different wheels designed for indoor and outdoor use.
You have weight limitations, so you should pay attention to the kilos that the rollator can support and choose the suitable model for your weight.
They are designed with a hand brake that allows you or the patient to stop the walker when necessary.
They are intended to be used outdoors and on uneven surfaces and withstand heavyweights.
Most rollators have a padded seat and back for resting, except for the 3-wheel versions, as well as a basket or bag to carry personal items.
There is a four-wheel rollator for every need.
The weight of the user is an important factor.
Rollators are products that are not designed to support heavyweight, so their manufacturers establish an ideal weight and height limit.
In this sense, because they are equipped with wheels on all their legs, leaning heavily on a rollator can be a great danger for a user’s safety, whose weight is at or above the limit set by the manufacturer.
Another important factor is the user’s height.
Always pick the right rollators based on the user’s height to avoid accidents, causing the walker to roll underneath the user when leaning on it.
This type of issue might happen even when using parking brakes.
Remember, finding the proper mobility answer for you / a loved one / a patient is not an easy task.
Staying active and independent but safe is vital! Be sure to consult your healthcare professional for help in this decision.
Can you use a Rollator as a wheelchair?
Yes, a caregiver can push a rollator just like pushing a wheelchair, as long as the right equipment is in use.
Please make sure the rollator you are planning to push as a wheelchair is the right model, and it perfectly fits the user’s needs.
It must be adequate to the user’s weight and height.
The proper rollator can be used as a lightweight wheelchair, a very good solution for traveling.
It is easy to handle, some are foldable and makes car and airplane trips very convenient.
Rollators with built-in seats are perfect for users who wish to walk part of the time and know may get tired and need a break in which they can be pushed by a loved one or caregiver.
Here are the benefits:
It is designed to help users to walk independently by providing them with the support of a four-wheel walker,
It can easily be transformed into a lightweight transport chair with a flexible backing and comfortable footrests.
It is the most suitable mobility option for you / a loved one / a patient.
Important helps keep your asset and independence safe.
Makes your life at airports a lot easier too.
Again, make sure to consult your healthcare professional for help with this decision.
Who Needs A Rollator?
A rollator is indicated for people that need some level of assistance to walk short distances and are physically capable of doing it without close supervision.
It is a good solution to provide the user with additional support for balance and stability when walking.
The wheels help tremendously to move forward, backward or in shifting directions.
Note that a rollator can preserve the user’s energy because they do not have to lift it to move like a walker (which has no wheels).
This allows the user to achieve a better walking pace and get better with time.
If the user spends a lot of time in tight spaces, consider using a three-wheel rollator, which is generally narrower and may be easier to maneuver.
If you are one of those who develop most of their activities outdoors and can use a rollator at a faster pace, then you may consider acquiring a three-wheeled rollator.
Remember, there is a rollator for every occasion, different types and sizes.
If the user is passionate about going for a walk and taking advantage of doing some shopping, check for four-wheel models equipped with baskets.
If the user wishes to walk part of the time, rest when feeling tired, and check for a four-wheeled rollator.
They are a very stable and versatile solution.
Summarizing:
Walkers without wheels are ideal for indoor use.
They are used by older people or those who take their first steps after an operation.
Two-wheeled walkers are suitable for older people with mobility problems.
The three-wheeled rollators are the least known.
They have a compact and narrow design, perfect for moving indoors and outdoors.
The four-wheel rollators are ideal for the elderly and those most in demand.
Many models and multiple accessories: the padded seat, backrest, basket, and brakes.
In some cases, you can even choose the type of brakes.
