Why Seniors Need A Rollator Walker
Getting older doesn’t have to mean becoming less mobile. Walkers can help provide the stability senior citizens need to move about freely and maintain an independent lifestyle.
Rollator walkers, also called rolling walkers, are very popular with seniors. They’re easy to maneuver and have desirable features for our aging population and the disabled. Seniors can safely get around the house, go shopping, stroll through the park, and attend special events with little or no help from a caregiver.
More and more seniors and disabled people purchase a walker with four wheels. Unlike standard walkers that require users to lift them to take every step, rollator walkers with four wheels glide forward, backward, and from side to side smoothly. Even if the standard walker has two front wheels, users often add tennis balls to the rear legs in order to move the walker with ease.
Types of Rollator Walkers
A rollator walker is a mobility aid that comes with your choice of three or four wheels.
The four-wheeled rollator walker comes with a seat, a basket or bag underneath the seat, a removable backrest, locking hand brakes, and wheels that swivel. If all four wheels swivel, the walker is a rollator walker with omnidirectional wheels. This means the wheels swivel in all directions to help users turn around or move side to side smoothly. If only the front wheels swivel, the back wheels will move straight forward or straight back.
Locking brakes are used to slow down the rollator walker or stop it from moving. When the brakes are pushed down, that will lock the rollator in place for users to safely sit on the seat to rest or to keep the walker stationary when not in use.
Three-wheeled rollators are not equipped with a seat. They do have removable pouches for storage and locking hand brakes. Some models feature removable walker trays with wire baskets underneath in addition to the storage pouch.
Both of these models can be folded for travel or storage.
Rollator Walkers and Safety Concerns
Seniors and disabled people who use rollator walkers should always prioritize safety. Every medical device or walking aid comes with instructions for using them. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer to ensure your safety.
For example, all mobile devices have weight limits. Rollator walkers’ weight capacity typically doesn’t exceed 300 pounds. Placing too much weight on the walker can cause it to collapse when sitting on it or cause it to tip over. Unless the walker is specifically designed for weights above 300 pounds, please do not exceed the maximum recommended weight limit.
Another concern requiring rollator walkers is if the user pushes the walker too far ahead of them. If this happens, the walker can roll away, causing the user to fall. Accidental falls are the most common reason for elderly seniors’ emergency room visits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says 87 percent of injuries to older people are walker related. These accidental falls can be avoided and even eliminated by following a few safety tips.
Rollator Walker Safety Tips
Here are a few safety tips to consider before using a rollator walker:
- Consult with your doctor or a trained physical therapist before purchasing a walker. They will be able to advise you on the type of mobility aid that fits your specific need.
- Follow the instructions that come with the rollator walker or have an expert teach you how to use it.
- Rollator walkers are height adjustable. Please be sure to adjust the height of the handle to align with your wrist. This will ensure that your elbows bend at a comfortable 15-degree angle.
- Always step inside the walker to keep your back straight and your elbows bent.
- DO NOT bear all of your weight onto the walker while pushing it. This could cause the walker to tip over or roll away from you.
- Always lock the brakes before sitting on your walker or when the walker is not in use.
- Use the brakes while walking to slow the walker down if it moves too fast and to control the walker
- DO NOT roll over objects on the floor or ground.
- DO NOT lift your walker unless it is folded to put in storage or in your car for travel.
- Make small steps when turning and keep your hands on the hand brakes
- Be sure to clean your walker after every use. Doing so will eliminate any germs or viruses you may have picked up along the way.
Rollator walkers are a great way for seniors to get around and maintain independence. Be sure to follow the directions and take the time to learn how to use the walker properly.
If you’re looking for a rollator walker and don’t know where to start, visit www.theelderexpo.com to check out our selection of state-of-the-art rollator walkers. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1.877.728.9507, or send us an email at [email protected].