Research on How to Choose a Rollator must of necessity consider the safety features of each model, the benefits and any disadvantages before a final decision should be made.
While rollator walkers are a convenient mobility aid for seniors and the elderly, the design construction harbor some unique safety-related functions which should be understood before a purchase is made.
While it is not all cautionary, there are several benefits to be derived from using a rollator walker. Both considerations will be discussed in this article.
Design Features and Safety
Several design features provide enhanced mobility to users, but if not properly operated, can become safety hazards resulting in falls and accidents.
Consequently, seniors using rollators MUST ensure they understand all safety precautions before operating their walking aid.
Aging causes changes in bone mass, joints, and muscles.
This combination results in an altered curvature of the back vertebrae and poor balance which affects mobility. (William et al. 2012)
Colino (2018) reported that 62% of older adults have an increased risk of recurrent falls.
Furthermore, after the age of 45, 1 in 4 adults typically experience foot pain with about 60% suffering debilitating pain
Purchase of a rollator requires research – which is what this article seeks to provide. Sometimes the selection of one style over the other, or the addition of one specific accessory can change the function and safety and you should keep this in mind.
Most people can purchase their walking aid independently or with the assistance of friends or family (Walker Facts 2015). But others may require the help of a therapist who can provide guidance.
Shopping online provides greater access to even more models and brands.
How to Choose A Rollator – Check Weight Bearing Capacity
Benefit: Require no lifting unlike traditional walkers
Disadvantage: Not intended to bear weight
There is a maximum weight capacity for most walkers and rollators.
It is, therefore, necessary that the user adheres to these recommended weight limits to avoid falls and accidents.
Rollators are designed for users with balance issues. Consequently, leaning heavily on this walking aid can be a major safety hazard because of its four wheels.
Users that lean heavily on the rollator may unexpectedly have the walking aid shift and begin to roll away. This could result in accidents.
How To Choose a Rollator – Four Gliding Wheels
Benefit: Improved Mobility
Disadvantage: Decreased Stability
While the gliding wheels improve mobility over different surfaces, they could glide too quickly over smoother surfaces and cause the user to lose control.
This can be very challenging to navigate for seniors with balance difficulties.
Easy to Maneuver for Rollator Safety
Benefit: Easy to Maneuver and Navigate
Disadvantage: Weight
Rollator walkers are generally easier to maneuver and navigate through narrow spaces than other traditional walkers.
The three-wheeled designs provide an even greater ability to maneuver.
These walking aids are usually heavier than traditional walkers which are made of light aluminum tubes.
The challenge is posed by their weight and having to lift them for storage or into a vehicle, but they are sturdier and more stable.
Users that require frequent loading and unloading of their rollator may find this level of handling cumbersome.
Although there are lightweight options available, these designs nevertheless are still heavier than standard walkers.
Seniors attempting to lift their rollators independently could accidentally trip and fall, or even damage their back while doing so.
How to Choose A Rollator – Check Braking System
Benefit: Brakes provide increased stability of the walking aid and serve as an enhanced safety feature for use.
Disadvantage: Seniors with dexterity issues and poor grip may have difficulty using the brakes when needed which could result in accidents.
The brakes in rollator walkers equipped with this feature are not automatic.
They are used to reduce the speed of the walker if it begins to move too fast for comfort. They can also be used to bring the walker to a complete halt.
Unfortunately, because they are not automatic, it does require the control for the user for navigation of the rollator. Users must grip the brakes to engage them.
Users that cannot grip well or who cannot respond quickly to grab the brake handles may find rollator walkers challenging to use. Fortunately, many manufacturers provide options for ergonomic handles.
Finally, a major safety hazard comes in the form of not engaging the brakes of the rollator when sitting or standing. The rollator may begin to move and cause the user to tip and fall.
Rollator Safety – Other Considerations
How To Choose A Rollator – Height of the Rollator
Correct height usage is important, once again, to ensure there are no falls, accidents, or damage to muscles due to strains.
Most rollator walkers adjust to fit the design specified range of heights.
Standing as tall as full height allows, the rollator must support the user with a minimal strain upon the muscles and bones in their hands, wrists, shoulders, and neck.
The correct adjustment is to have the handles at the height of the wrist when standing with arms relaxed at the side.
Adjustable Seat Height
Most rollators have a built-in seat, and some may even have a backrest as well.
This is especially helpful for users who have frequent joint pain and tire easily. Because of this, they require regular stops to rest.
The adjustable seat could become a safety hazard if not operated correctly.
There are several models of seats, and depending on the user’s needs, adjustments may be made to the seat height to suit the comfort of the user. There are two options available.
A lower seat adjustment that allows the feet to be placed flat on the floor provides balance and stability, while a higher seat adjustment allows for perching and makes it easier to stand up.
How to Choose A Rollator – Width of Rollator
The width of the rollator walker must provide adequate clearance for the user to step into.
There are various options on the market. A senior who walks with feet wider than average will require a rollator walker that is wider than average.
Failure to carefully consider each of these additional design features and operate them correctly could affect safety.
Conclusion – Rollator Safety
How to choose a rollator? Many design features need to be considered in the selection of a rollator.
Fortunately, they are sold with detailed specification sheets that allow a check of many of the design features discussed in this article.
Rollators improve the mobility of seniors and the elderly, however, the very same features that create this enhanced lifestyle can become safety hazards if they are not correctly adjusted for use and may result in falls or accidents.
Related Articles
- What is Arthritis? Focus on Seniors
- The Foldable Standard Walker. Improved Style and Safety
- How to Choose a Rollator. Benefits For These Medical Conditions
References
Arthritis Foundation (2020) Osteoporosis https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoporosis
Colino, S (2018) The Agony of the Feet as You Get Older. Health USNewshttps://health.usnews.com/wellness/aging-well/articles/2018-08-08/6-things-you-dont-know-about-your-aging-feet
Walker Facts (2015) http://www.walker-facts.com/FAQs.asp
Hi Ceci, Yes I see your point you would definitely need to take your time on how to choose the best rollator. Fortunately, I am still young and pretty able-bodied but I can imagine if say the wheel buckled on one of these, for instance, it could make things very difficult very quickly for the senior who is using it. It’s great that you have shared this information and I hope that it can help others in making an informed choice for their elders they need to support.
Yes Alex, understanding the safety issues and which brands are better is important information to have guide your purchase.
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
Thanks for sharing the advantages and disadvantages that people should take into serious consideration when they purchase rollators. They are quite helpful and comprehensive, in my opinion. I am scared of the most because my parents might fall unexpectedly to hurt themselves, so this article comes at the right time. 🙂
However, do you think people who need rollators should try them in retail stores before purchasing? Since people purchase things online these days, would it be better to take a walk with rollators to feel it?
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt, You make a very valid point here about being able to try out different rollators.The benefit of searching online is that you have the flexibility to compare different makes and there is more variety to choose from – plus the reviews are there to also provide some guidance. Mot retail stores do not carry a variety of brands while online allows you to compare a wide range of brands, features, accessories and evaluate safety considerations as well.
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
Thank you for sharing all the considerations in buying a Rollater.
My dad is getting older and walking is becoming more difficult. I hadn’t thought about adjustable seat height and different widths of these Walkers. I have seen many of the 4 wheeled walkers so would favour that option, but its good to know the issues with increased weight and manoeuvrability.
Thanks for your great article.
Hi John,
Thanks for the read. Its always good to know what to check for and accessories before making a decision on which type of rollator to buy.
Ceci