When do you require a mobility aid?
There are many reasons why mobility devices like walkers rollators are needed. They’re a combination of age-specific and ailment specific reasons. Here are the top 3:
- The body-weight bearing ability of a person may decrease due to conditions like arthritis, fracture, surgery etc. in which case support may be required.
- Respiratory problems, aging or prolonged illness can result in fatigue.
- Dizziness or neurological problems can lead to poor balance.
It’s difficult, both physically and mentally not being able to walk independently without external help. However, the use of rollators can make you feel independent and self-reliant. Rollators ensure safety of the user by reducing the risk of falling, making it easy to get around and even providing extras like a seat, cup holder, tray and/or basket to carry stuff around.
What Is A Rollator?
A rollator is basically a rolling walker or a walker with wheels. It has wheels and brakes to make movement easy and smooth and to provide control during walking pauses. Most good ones have brakes that lock, so users can lean on the rollator slightly or even sit if the rollator has one built in. Rollators with big wheels do well with slightly uneven surfaces. Many people use rollators both indoors and outdoors. Unlike the traditional walker which needs to be lifted with every step you take, a rollator just moves with you as you only have to push it forward in order to move. Rollators are the perfect mobility aid for those who want to remain active and move quickly.
Difference between Rollator and Walker
Both rollator and walker are for those who have difficulty in mobility. However, there are a few differences between both.
- The first difference is that the walker has four legs and the rollator has either three or four wheels attached to the legs.
- In order to move forward the user has to lift and set down the walker with each step, on the other hand the rollator have wheels to move forward and a brake system to control the speed.
- Walkers are suitable for those people who are mobile enough but are not able to bear weight on one or both legs for any reason such as some sort of surgery. Rollators are suitable for those who have balance and stability issues.
Reasons to Choose Rollators
There are many reasons to choose a rollator for your mobility aid. People, who want to remain active despite of their mobility challenges, should best use a rollator. Those who travel a lot or those who want to spend time outdoors should consider buying a rollator.
- A rollator is more stable than a walking cane and provides greater support.
- A rollator is more convenient to use than a walker and provides greater mobility.
- It provides better support to those who have less endurance and cannot stand for a longer period of time.
- It is suitable for those who have weak arms or cannot lift weight.
