Walkers & Rollators

If you need assistance with walking, you can find support and stability with rollator walkers and other mobility aids. Depending on your physical health and stamina, you can choose from canes, walkers, rollators or wheelchairs to help you get from point A to point B. But what are rollators, and how are they different from walkers? Upright walkers and rollators both use metal frames that can be moved with you as you step forward. But rollators (sometimes called rollator walkers or wheeled walkers) are connected to rubber wheels that allow you to glide ahead with more ease. For added safety, rollator walkers also have handbrakes for sudden stops and downhill ventures. There are many rollator walkers with seats for when you need to get off your feet and take a break. (If standing for long periods is difficult for you, you may also want to consider bathroom safety items like shower chairs.) You can find rolling walkers that are lightweight, height-adjustable, and even foldable for easy storage. Some walkers with wheels and seats also have compartments for water bottles or other items you might want to bring with you.

Walkers and rollators can be helpful if you have an injury, balance issues, low strength, or just get tired while walking. But it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe while using these assistive tools. You should always keep your rollator close to your body and your hands near the brakes during use. A heart rate monitor can be a helpful item to bring along on your walks if you have health issues and are concerned about over-exerting yourself. Devices like hearing aids can make it easier to hear those around you and keep you aware of any nearby disturbances. And if walking worsens any joint pain, you can ask your physician about using a compression sleeve when you use your rollator. Even though walkers, rollators, cane walkers and other mobility aids are designed to make movement safer, you may want to add a medical alert device to your home health care toolkit, just in case you take an unexpected fall and need assistance. Having these tools on hand can help people living with mobility issues feel safer, and also make living independently as a senior easier.