When to Use a Rollator Walker

Mobility can present an array of challenges for many people, and mobility aids can help with handling those challenges. With that said, one must find the right type of aid for their needs. Wheelchairs offer excellent benefits to some people, but others may only need a cane to get around.

Then there are walkers. You are probably picturing a four-legged apparatus that you pick up to move, but several other kinds are available. Among these options are rollator walkers, which sport a distinct design that offers its benefits. We describe them and their advantages in this article, so people can determine if they meet their mobility needs and preferences.

What is a Rollator Walker?

As we mentioned earlier, the average walker features four legs that make contact with the ground at all times. They are stationary and built to stand on their own. To move them, one must hold them tightly in their hands, lift them, and drop them further away, all without letting go.

Rollator walkers feature four wheels instead, meaning they move by rolling along the ground — hence the name. The wheels are of the swivel sort, so users can change directions with ease compared to the more cumbersome four-legged walkers. If they sound difficult to control, worry not. They come with a hand brake system, with two handles you can squeeze like on a bicycle.

Please be careful not to confuse rollator walkers with hybrid rolling walkers. The latter type feature both the legs of conventional walkers and the wheels of rollators. They can be useful in their own right, but we will save that topic for another day and focus on dedicated rollator walkers.

When to Use One

How do rollator walkers compare in form and function to regular walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids? Simply saying that they stand out for having wheels is only an introduction. The rest of the article will show precisely what makes it such a useful option. You should consider getting a rollator walker if …

Your Arms Need Support

Four-legged walkers are a perfectly suitable option for many people who experience difficulty with mobility. However, they may not be viable for everyone. Consider how they are used: one must raise them off the ground with their strength, then lower them where they want. Some will find this level of control too demanding.

One does not need to exert themselves nearly so much with rollator walkers. Their use of wheels rather than legs allows them to stay on the ground while moving. This allows them to be considerably heavier than other walkers, which can further anchor the user on solid ground.

You Have a Good Balance

Some may see an immediate issue in this setup. They may contend that the movement of an object on wheels may not always be easy to control, either. This argument is valid and worth considering as one weighs their options for mobility aids. Before you get a rollator, ask yourself: how is your balance?

Different mobility aids address different mobility issues. Rollators are not meant to improve one’s ability to stand on their own two feet. Other walkers may be better for that, as well as canes. These tools are better suited for other challenges, and we will go into detail soon enough.

You Need Rest

Having a good sense of balance does not necessarily mean one can stay on their foot for long. Taking breaks and getting rest is important for just about anyone with mobility issues. Fortunately, the rollator covers this concern as well. In addition to their signature feature of wheels, they also come with a seat, one built right into the frame.

Any time users need or want to get off their feet for a moment, they do not need to search for somewhere to sit. This mobility aid is excellent for those who do not require a wheelchair but cannot stay up for too long.

You are Going Far

Even if you do not feel the need to stop and rest often, the presence of a seat on the rollator can be highly advantageous. We are not just saying that because having a portable seat is a major convenience. We mean that this feature, plus the steadiness and speediness of wheels, means you can take this walker down long distances.

This may be where the rollator outshines comparable kinds of mobility aids. Conventional walkers are too cumbersome for anything beyond brief strolls. Canes are similarly limited in how far you can take them before they start bothering your hand. Meanwhile, rollators seem designed not just to improve one’s ease of movement, but enhance it. This is the aid to take with you on an adventure.

You Have Things to Carry

The presence of a seat makes sense when one considers the design of the rollator walker. Its four sturdy pillars comprise a frame that is suitable for attaching fixtures like that. Many people take it further and add a basket, allowing them to take their stuff on the go.

The benefits of a walker with a bag should be immediately obvious to those who need it most. Carrying your goods in this manner means less need to haul a purse, backpack, or another carry-on bag. It also means you can keep both hands on the walker for better control. This perk is just practical in general.

Rollator Walkers at Orthotape

The rollator walker is quite different from the walkers to which one may be accustomed. Between its wheels, seat, and overall design, this mobility aid can be incredibly useful. As you think of which tools you want to help you get around, keep this option in mind.

If you do decide that rollator walkers may be just what you need, feel free to browse the selection at Orthotape. We strive to offer all the best products for mobility assistance, so we only sell the best rollators on the market. Visit our store right away and see what we have in stock.