Individuals with mobility challenges find it difficult to be independent in their daily lives as their movements are limited. Fortunately, mobility aids, such as walkers and rollators, are great ways to get around. But how are you supposed to decide which mobility device to use in your everyday life?
Walkers and rollators may already be familiar to you, but if you ever get to the point wherein you will need one for everyday use, you may want to understand them better.
That said, read on as we discuss rollators and walkers, including what considerations you need to consider before making a final purchase. We have also touched on the differences between these two mobility aids to help you further gauge what kind of aid suits your needs better.
Defining and Understanding Rollators and Walkers
Let’s look at a few essential details to help you understand rollators and walkers.
What Are Rollators?
Rollators are frames with brakes that can be controlled by hand. The front wheel, or wheels for some rollators, can turn, making it easier to turn.
There are various rollators, and each kind has an advantage over the other. A four-wheel rollator often has bigger wheels than two-wheel walkers, which makes it ideal for navigating rough or uneven ground. Three-wheel rollators are considered suitable for indoor use as they make it easy for the user to move around and make tight turns.
Most rollators come with a seat, basket, and pouch to enhance the user experience. There are also kinds of rollators that are lightweight and easy to carry around when travelling. Which banks on the fact that rollators can indeed improve the quality of life of individuals with mobility challenges.
What Are Walkers?
Walkers have frames that are made of light metals like aluminium. Walkers can be adjusted to fit people of different heights, and many can be folded to save space and easy storage wherever people bring them for travel purposes.
Standard walkers, which don’t have wheels, are the most basic kind of walker. They are best for short trips. It is also the best aid when stability is the most important thing, as this type of walker is best for people who have balance problems.
What Makes a Rollator Different from a Walker?
People often dub rollators “wheeled walkers” because wheels are the main difference between a rollator and a walker.
As mentioned, a standard walker does not come with wheels, while rollators come in various kinds simply because of the number of wheels.
To use a walker, you need to keep lifting to move forward. Meanwhile, all you have to do with a rollator is use it immediately because it no longer requires lifting. Navigating places is also easier since the wheels make mobility easier for the user. And for added comfort, some rollators come with a built-in seat.
At a glance, a rollator may seem advantageous over walkers; however, there are some cases wherein rollators are not ideal. For instance, you live in a small apartment with equally small hallways. In this case, the use of walkers might be more efficient. And as mentioned, a walker is also best for individuals who have trouble keeping their balance.
Last but not least, a walker is probably the best choice if you need a way to get around because it helps you keep your balance and still hold on to things and lift them. On the other hand, a rollator would be best if you have good balance but weak arms or need to sit down often.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Rollator or Walker?
Mobility aids generally do not come off cheap, and with so many types of walkers and rollators on the market, it only makes sense to know what you need to consider when buying one.
Before choosing a specific model, you should consider asking yourselves these questions.
Where do you plan to use your device for walking?
Rollators have big wheels, and some models have seats, making them ideal when walking outdoors for extended periods. The best place to use walkers is indoors.
How often do you plan to take your rollator with you?
Most rollators are big and bulky. If you don’t have enough strength, lifting a heavy rollator into a car or bus can be dangerous and a hassle to use. Rollators that fold up and are light and small are available for people who like to travel, whether to the grocery store or across the globe.
How much do you weigh?
Don’t hesitate to ask someone to assist you in choosing a mobility aid that has higher weight capacity. A kind of rollator, called a bariatric rollator, can carry up to 400 to 500 pounds of weight. This heavy-duty rollator comes with sturdy steel frames and wider seats.
Do colour, style, and shape matter to you?
Using a walker is not something most people look forward to, and many individuals find it challenging to get used to and incredibly awkward to use in public.
Where to Get Quality Walkers and Rollators
Now that we’ve talked about how walkers and rollators are and what considerations you need to consider when buying one, the next step is to look for quality providers.
And where else should you get quality electric rollators, electric walkers, and rollator walker in Australia than from AbbiCare? If you’re still unsure whether you need a walker or a rollator, you can look at our selection of walkers and rollators or call us on 1300 884 975. We are happy to help you figure out which mobility aid or WiFi security camera would be best for you!