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How To Choose The Correct Rollator


Have you had a fall, and stopped going out to meet friends, attend Mass or get messages?

If the answer to any of these is YES a wheeled rollator might just be the answer.

Rollators are designed to provide continued independence,  mobility and socialisation for those who’ve lost balance, stamina and confidence resulting from falls or simply running out of gas. Oftentimes, the rollator is mostly there to provide confidence and stability, just in case…

 What’s the difference between a walking frame and a rollator?

A walking frame has rubber ferrules at the base of each leg and a rollator can have 2, 3 and 4 wheels for ease of movement. There is a lifting action with a walker whereas a rollator just glides along.

 What types of Rollator are there?

Rollators come in 3 and 4 wheeled models.

 What’s the difference between 3 and 4 wheeled rollators?

3 wheeled rollators are a bit more manoeuvrable and better suited for confined spaces/

4 wheeled rollators are better for outdoor use as they come with seat bases to take a breather when needed, or to chat with a friend.

Larger wheels are better outdoors, on grass etc, as they have more contact and are less likely to get bogged down. Indoors both work effectively.

 Are they heavy and transportable?

Most modern rollators are very lightweight, fold down and are easy to store in car boots. Make sure you select an aluminium model as steel are a lot heavier to lift.

 How do you measure for the correct rollator?

  1. Most quality rollators have adjustable height handles as standard. To measure correctly you just need to simply stand up straight, arms hanging freely and bend your elbows at 15 degrees to get the best height. It’s also quite intuitive so you can adjust to suit your needs.
  2. If you’re selecting a 4 wheeled rollator with a seat, it’s best to measure a comfortable seat height so you can sit comfortably.
  3. A Physiotherapist can recommend the correct measurements.
  4. Come into one of our stores and our trained, friendly staff can help select the best one from the may we have in stock.

 Cable brakes or push down brakes?

Cable brakes are the most common slowing, breaking system on rollators. They’re used in the very same way as bicycle brakes and easy are to use.

If you have arthritis in your hands or low grip strength, a pressure brake may be the better option. All you need to do to slow down or break is to put downward pressure on the handles to engage the brakes.

 We hope this helps. If you need more assistance just call us or visit one of our showrooms. Otherwise check the many options in our walking aid section.

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