Rollator Review--A Great Investment For The Elderly

Mobility walkers are a blessing to the elderly and their caregivers.

                                   



When my grandmother came to live with us, she had lost the better part of her vision. Her former family caregivers had neglected her care so much that she was very weak. She had bad stomach aches and dizzy spells.

She had also been housebound for a long time, and wanted nothing more than to be able to go shopping again. Only her physical health wouldn't allow for extended shopping trips.

As soon as we found her a new doctor, she was given a prescription for a Rollator. At first, she stubbornly refused to use it. Her old lift-and-step walker was good enough, she claimed. Soon, she came to love the Rollator, and so do we!


What Is A Rollator?


A Rollator is a mobility aid. Rollator is actually a brand-name. Many companies make similar products, called mobility walkers.


The difference between mobility walkers and standard walkers are the ease of use. Rollators and similar products have wheels, a seat, and hand-brakes. They sometimes have a storage basket attached or under the seat.


Because the wheels keep the elderly person from having to lift the walker with each step, it makes mobility faster. The seat provides a place to rest. The basket is great for stashing a purse or a few small shopping bags.

How Well Do Rollators Work?

I first saw a Rollator in use at the nursing home. One of my ladies zipped about with her "scooter", as she called it. She never needed a chair. She carried her knitting supplies in the little basket. Her family had personalized hers with a cupholder and decorative stickers. She had made herself a little cushion for the seat. (I know, totally cute, huh? I loved it.)


Impressed, I recommended that my grandmother ask her doctor about one. After she agreed to use it, the change in her personality was incredible. Before, she had been afraid to walk outside or in large crowded areas. Now she had not only a device that would support her, but a place to rest whenever she needed.


Now, the Rollator goes with us everywhere. No more having to search for public benches. No worrying about germs. After her physical health improved from better care and she regained her strength, she was ready and confident to face the world again with her Rollator.


What does she love about it? She loves that she can hide her purse in the seat and sit on it. She doesn't have to worry about losing her purse, and she is pretty sure she would notice if someone was trying to snatch it. This is important for many elderly, especially those with dementia or vision problems who worry about the safety of their personal possession.


Considerations


I highly recommend that all caregivers consider a Rollator or similar mobility walker if they have an elderly relative that is mobile but somewhat limited. Still, a physician should be consulted to make sure a Rollator is the safest device for your loved one. A rolling mobility aid may not be safe enough for someone who cannot understand how to use the hand brakes.


Mobility walkers are portable. Some models are slimmer than others and will fold down to fit in even a small car. My grandmother has a large model and it is lightweight enough that she can carry it folded. It fits into a compact car without any problems.


Where size is an issue is in the home. If the Rollator will be used all the time, not just for outdoors, then you will need to decide which size will maneuver around the house with the most ease.


Mobility devices should be used with proper footwear to prevent falls. They should also be inspected regularly to ensure that all the screws and bolts are tight and that the brake lines are still in good shape. Test the brakes frequently.


A Mobility Device Can Provide A Sense of Independence


Give your loved one the gift of confidence and independence. Talk to their physician about a Rollator or other mobility walker. These devices are a blessing to many elderly who seek security and freedom.