Choosing the right rollator can greatly enhance your independence, stability, and confidence, making daily activities easier and safer. Understanding the key factors to consider can help you find the perfect rollator tailored specifically to your needs.
What is a Rollator?
A rollator is a wheeled mobility aid designed to offer support, balance, and ease of movement. It provides stability and allows users to move independently while reducing the risk of falls.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Rollator
Type and Size
Rollators come in various types and sizes, including three-wheeled and four-wheeled models:
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Three-Wheeled Rollators: Lightweight, easy to maneuver in tight spaces, ideal for indoor use.
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Four-Wheeled Rollators: Offer greater stability and typically include a seat for resting, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Weight Capacity
Ensure the rollator supports your body weight comfortably. Selecting the correct weight capacity provides better safety, stability, and durability.
Seat and Comfort
If you plan to use your rollator for longer outings, choose one with a comfortable, supportive seat. Check the seat height to ensure it's comfortable for sitting and standing.
Adjustability
A rollator with adjustable handles allows you to customise its height for optimal posture, comfort, and ease of use.
Brakes
Reliable, easy-to-use brakes are crucial for safety. Consider rollators with loop brakes, which provide better control and are easy to manage, especially for individuals with limited hand strength.
Portability and Storage
Consider how easily the rollator folds for transport and storage. Lightweight, compact designs are ideal for frequent travellers or users with limited storage space.
Wheels
Choose wheel size based on your environment:
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Smaller Wheels: Suitable for indoor use and smooth surfaces.
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Larger Wheels: Better for outdoor terrains, uneven surfaces, and obstacles.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Rollator
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Enhanced Safety and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls and accidents.
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Increased Independence: Empowers users to engage more confidently in daily activities.
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Improved Mobility: Facilitates easier movement indoors and outdoors.
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Greater Comfort: Provides support and comfort during extended periods of walking or standing.
Expert Guidance from Active Mobility
With over 20 years of experience, Active Mobility offers professional and impartial advice to help you choose the perfect rollator. Our dedicated team is available Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, ensuring personalised support tailored to your specific needs.
For expert advice, demonstrations, or to arrange a personal consultation, please contact us directly via phone at 01789 339738, email, or visit our showroom at Unit 3 & 4, Avenue Fields Industrial Estate, off Avenue Farm, Birmingham Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HT.
Points to consider when deciding on which rollator to choose.
Wheel size – the larger the better, the larger the wheel the better equipped to handle different types of terrain.
Storage – Most rollators will fold, but some fold flatter than others. New style type of rollators like the Gepard fold quite flat and has a self-locking system, so it will not keep falling open on you when you move the rollator.
Handle height – Choose a model that works for your height to prevent straining and bending. At Active Mobility, when you come to the store, we will ensure the rollator is set to the right height for you.
Seat height – It is also very important that the seat height is higher enough that you can get up on your own, but not so high your feet cannot touch the ground. This is one of the reasons it is so important to come and try out the different varieties available, to ensure you have the model that suits you personally.
Brakes – All our rollators have brakes, which must always be used before sitting down on a rollator. A rollators brakes are controlled by the handles, grip strength is something that needs to be considered and if you have pain or weakness in your hands or wrists, this is another reason why it is recommended to come and try in the store.
Weight - Rollators come in varying weights, which needs to be taken into account if the rollator is to be lifted in and out of a car or public transport. Currently, the Gepard and the Taima rollators are the lightest rollator we currently have available
Give us a call on 01789 298182 to find out how a rollator could help you or a loved one.
