17 January 2022
If you or a loved one requires some support to remain mobile and upright, a rollator can be extremely helpful. These handy devices are used to support movement around the house and while out and about. They’re great for adults of all ages and can breed independence and confidence, but what are rollators? And, are rollators safe? Read this guide as we explore the topic of rollators and how useful they can be.
Rollators are a type of mobility aid that are used to help people with mobility issues get around with greater ease. They can have three, four, or even five wheels and a seat, basket – or both. There’s a lot to think about with rollators, and it can often lead to being overwhelmed by choice.
If someone you care for has been advised to get a rollator, or it’s been suggested that they will find one useful, you may find that you have questions about what they are and how they can be used.
Unless you work in healthcare or know someone who already uses a rollator, you may never have even heard of them. Don’t worry, this is quite common. Rollators are a type of wheeled walking frame, with a wheel on the end of each leg of the frame. You may actually sometimes hear them referred to as ‘rollator walkers’. They help support the person while they’re walking, providing a solid frame to help them to keep their feet and walk a little easier.
Anybody who feels they need extra support when walking may find that using a rollator could be the right solution for their needs. If your loved one is finding that their walking stick isn’t enough to support them anymore, then a rollator may be able to provide the extra help they require.
Many rollators come with seats which can be beneficial for those who find they tire easily when walking because it gives them a place to rest before continuing. Being able to put some of their weight on the frame also helps to take some of the pressure off their feet when walking.
When used properly, rollators are extremely safe and beneficial. However, while rollators can be a benefit to many individuals, it’s important to use them responsibly and take the necessary precautions.
It’s important to ensure that you have the right model and size for your needs, including considerations like built-in seats, baskets and more.
Rollators from Complete Care Shop can come with a variety of accessories and features. It depends on the design, but here’s what’s usually included on a rollator:
Almost all rollators should come with brakes to help make coming to a stop easier. Many come with looped cable brakes to help make it a little easier for those with a weaker grip to use. Also available are models with pressure brakes. These work when a downward force is applied to the handles, rather than the grip and squeeze needed to activate a cable brake. If your loved one only has one hand available for braking control, you can get versions that have a one-hand brake for maximum safety and convenience.
Not every rollator will have a seat, but for the ones that do there’s a variety of models and designs available. The seat types vary from a fixed, firm base with padding to a strip of strong canvas. Many rollators with seats usually have a backrest available too.
A seat could be a very useful feature if your loved one finds walking long distances a challenge as it offers them a place to rest when they need it. It’s important to remind them to put the brakes on before using the seat to help prevent it from rolling away from them.
Some rollators come with useful baskets to put personal items in, so the person using the rollator doesn’t have to carry a lot on their person. Sometimes, baskets are kept beneath the seat to make it harder for anyone to snatch belongings.
Much like with baskets, some rollators include bags to store items in. With some rollators, like the Freestyle Three Wheel Rollator, the bag is detachable so it can be removed and reattached as and when needed.
The majority of rollators are designed for outdoor use to give your loved one a hand while they take a walk or pop to the shops. There are a few that are designed purely for use indoors, such as the Let’s Go Indoor Rollator.
Some may be suitable for use at home and while they’re out and about. However, they’ll need to be able to clean the wheels when they go indoors to stop them from accidentally marking their floors.
Picking the right rollator comes down to a variety of factors and there’s plenty to consider before any decision is made. Would the person requiring one need a heavy-duty rollator that’s designed with higher weight limits? Does the right rollator for their needs have three wheels, or do they need more? Would they be better off with a rollator that could become a transit chair when needed? There are a wide variety of colours and styles available, which is also something to consider carefully as it’s a piece of equipment that may be used on a daily basis.
At Complete Care Shop, we’ve put together a full buying guide that explains all the different types of rollators. It covers all the questions you should be asking yourself before purchasing, safety tips, and how to find the right handle height for the rollator.
For any other queries and support, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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