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Fall Prevention Tips

3 Rolling Walkers You Need to Cover Every Situation

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

At Senior.com we are often asked, “Which rollator (rolling walker) is the best one to buy?” That’s a complicated question because one rollator will not solve all mobility issues. Just like young parents usually own multiple strollers for their kids for different circumstances, we would like to suggest you own these 3 products to prevent falls and give you the freedom you deserve.

4-Wheel Rollator with a Seat for Getting Out

If you want to freely move in the community, a 4-wheel rollator with a seat is the best choice. You could select a standard rollator that will do the job or a premium rollator for more comfort.

Nova Star 8″ Wheels

Standard 4-Wheel Option: NOVA Star with 8” Wheels

The Nova Star Series are great lightweight rollators with a nice smooth ride. They are available in both 6″ Wheels & 8″ Wheels, but we recommend the larger wheels to maneuver curbs and uneven walkways easier. These rollators have a large range of height adjustability and features the new lightweight 14-lb frame. (Bariatric is 19.5 lbs.) We like the way it folds easily with a push button and has locking hand brakes. They come in a variety of colors. This is a terrific value for getting around with a convenient seat so you can rest anytime, anywhere

 

Premium 4-Wheel Option: Triumph Mobility Escape Rollator

Triumph Mobility Premium

If you are looking for a little more style and comfort, the Triumph Mobility Escape Rollator is a classic European design. The Escape is available in 3 seat heights to fit almost any user and has a compact folding system that is easy to fold with a simple lift of the release handle. This design makes it easier to lift into the trunk of a car but, as an added benefit, it also stands when folded for easy storage when not in use.

Escape features a large padded seat for added comfort, pressure reducing anatomical handgrips to maintain your hand strength and the easiest to apply hand brakes available on any walker. In addition, Escape offers a depth adjustable large padded backrest, spring loaded levers for easy handle height adjustment and innovative Gentle Touch braking system with no cables to catch on objects or get in your way.

Mighty Mack Bariatric

500 lbs. Bariatric 4-Wheel Option: Mighty Mack

The strongest and mightiest of all rollators is the Mighty Mack! It has a 500-pound weight capacity and a standard seat height for average to tall users. The Mighty Mack comes with 8″ rugged wheels, an extra wide seat with a built-in seat pad, locking hand brakes, a front wire basket, and a removable back. The sleek frame is so easy to fold.

3-Wheel Rollator for Indoors and Small Spaces

The biggest complaint about a 4-wheel rollator is that it is not easy to maneuver in small spaces. So, if you are using a rollator to get from your bed to the bathroom, a 3-wheel option is absolutely the best choice. We always recommend using a 3-wheel walker inside your home to get around furniture, thick carpet, narrow doorways or hallways etc. If you don’t have a rollator that is easy to maneuver, you will opt not to use it. Just one fall can be a huge set-back to your health, independence and finances. I can’t tell you how often we hear that Mom or Dad fell in the bathroom because they weren’t using their rollator because it was too difficult in the small space. It was sitting OUTSIDE the bathroom. Resolve this safety hazard with a 3- wheel rollator.

3-Wheel Nova Traveler

Traveler 3 Wheel Nova Rollator

The Traveler 3 Wheel Walker is perfect for maneuvering indoors around furniture and in tight places like a bathroom. It features NOVA’s easy to use locking hand brakes, a tray, basket, pouch and 8” rugged wheels, and is foldable for easy transport and storage. When relying on a cane in the home, falls can easily occur when a foot catches or balance is off. We like how the traveler 3-wheel rollator has a tray for food or drinks and a basket for other belongings. This frees hands to steady your balance so you can move freely in your home.

 

Why Do You Need Both a 3-Wheel and a 4-Wheel Rollator?

One reason we recommend owning both the 4-wheel and the 3-wheel, is the 4-wheel has a seat so you can sit down anywhere when tired. Often you are not near a chair and your 4-wheel rollator gives you that security. In addition, a 4-wheel rollator is maximum comfort for going outside, shopping, or to an event. The 3-wheel rollator would be left at home for indoor use in those tight spaces.

Lastly, We Recommend the EZ Fold and Go Rollator

EZ Fold and Go Rollator

Just like young parents appreciate the umbrella stroller for quick trips, the EZ Fold and Go Rollator is the perfect solution when a caregiver is taking someone to the doctors. It’s only 8 lbs and folds compact.

The unique, patented design allows the EZ Fold-N-Go Walker to fold up to a 7-inch diameter with the touch of a finger, just like an umbrella stroller. It’s perfect for traveling, going to the store, eating at a restaurant, or just maneuvering those tight spaces around the house.

Gone are the days when you have to find space for the bulky walker or rollator in the trunk of the car. Now you can keep it next to you in the front seat!

These are some of our favorite products to recommend. However, you can shop Senior.com for hundreds of mobility solutions from all the top brands. If you are a veteran or active in the military, we offer a 5% lifetime discount! Senior.com always offers FREE SHIPPING on 99% of our listed products within the continental United States.

Remember, Age Well. Shop Smart.

 

 

 

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Selection & Assembly of a Rollator
Health Products

Selection and Assembly of a Rollator

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Selection and Assembly of a Rollator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lMv7hzXmVY

Selection & Assembly of Rollator Walkers
(Also called: 4 Wheel or 4WW)

walkers for elderly

Rollators (also called 4 wheel walkers) are just that – walkers for elderly with four wheels, brakes, a seat and a basket/bag. They work well both indoors and outdoors – especially models with large wheels that easily roll over uneven ground and carpet. Selection & Assembly of a Rollator

Who Should Use a Rollator?

Elderly who need a walker for balance but do not need to put much weight onto it. It is also beneficial for seniors who need a seat to rest, want to carry items and want the security of having something to hold onto when walking. Most versions are also foldable and can fit in the trunk of a car. The styles with larger wheels are recommended as they roll easier on uneven ground and are usually more stable.

Who Should NOT Use A Rollator?

Elderly who have a sore foot/leg/hip and the doctor does not want them to place weight onto it (ex. post hip surgery). This is usually temporary and the senior can progress to a rollator at a later date.
Elderly with significant balance, strength and endurance issues. They may be safer using a two wheel walker or wheelchair – depending on what is causing their difficulty walking.

How to Use a Rollator

  1. Adjust to proper height – see below for how to fit a walker
  2. Lock brakes – I recommend locking the brakes anytime elderly are sitting down on the walker’s seat or getting up/down from a chair/bed/couch with the walker in front of them. On most rollator walkers with seats, the senior can lock the brakes by pressing the brake levers down till they lock in place. This ensures the walker will not roll away from the user.
  3. Get in position – Place both hands on the handles.
  4. Stand upright – This will likely place the users toes/midfoot in line with the rear wheels
  5. Walk normally – Try to stay in a normal upright walking position and not to hunch over or get the walker to far ahead.
  6. Small steps – Take small steps especially while turning around – for example to turn around to get into a chair.
  7. Using seat – Find level ground, lock brakes, turn around and sit down. Do not sit down to hard as brakes are built for light hold only.

Recommended Features

  • Large wheels – Larger wheels roll over uneven ground easier which makes it more enjoyable to use outside and also safer.
  • Lightweight – Some walkers are too heavy for smaller seniors as they cannot push them around easily – putting them at risk of falling.
  • Easy to use brakes – Some brakes are too stiff for elderly so be sure to have the senior try the brakes – both squeezing them as well as locking them.
  • Padded seat – Elderly will use the seat if it is comfortable.
  • Basket/Bag – I prefer models that allow easy access to the basket/bag while in the normal walking position. Baskets that are only accessible by reaching over top or around the walker are not safe and inconvenient.

Accessories

  • Standard options – Most walkers come with several standard features such as a basket/bag and padded seat.
  • Oxygen tank holders – Some walkers have enough room in the basket/bag for an oxygen tank or small portable concentrator. Others will benefit from an oxygen tank holder. Make sure it keeps the weight low to the ground or it makes the walker top heavy and prone to tipping over – Especially on uneven ground outside (such as a curb cutout at a crosswalk).
  • Cane holder – To hold their cane securely.

How Much Does a Rollator Walker Cost?

Rollator walkers for elderly (four wheel walkers) will cost $100-600+ depending on the quality and features.
Source: Medline

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Health Products

Selecting a Walker

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Selecting a Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDkmIv1aTk

Selecting a Front Wheel Walker (Also called: Two Wheel or 2WW)

Selecting a Walker

Front wheel or two wheel walkers for elderly are much like standard walkers but with wheels on the front and often have skids/skis on the rear legs. This allows it to more easily slide on the ground.
Similar to a folding walker, they can usually fold in half to store in the trunk of a car, etc.

Who Should Use a Front Wheel Walker?

Elderly who need to place some weight onto the walker (but not all). It is also light weight, easy to transport and slides across the floor. Some people who have rollator walkers for elderly also have front wheel walkers to take with them when they travel as they are foldable, lightweight and can more easily fit in the trunk of a car.

Who Should NOT Use a Front Wheel Walker?

Elderly who need to place most of their weight on the walker – for example, if the doctor does not want them to place any weight on an injured foot/leg or post hip surgery. Although they are lighter than rollator walkers for elderly, they do not work well outside.

How to Use a Front Wheel Walker

  1. Adjust to proper height – See below for how to fit walker.
  2. Get in position – Place both hands on the handles.
  3. Stand upright – This will likely place the users toes/midfoot in line with the rear legs.
  4. Advance walker – Push the walker in front of you so that you are walking within the walker.
  5. Walk into the walker – If the senior has a sore leg/foot or a leg that the doctor does not want them to put full weight through, then advance this leg first followed quickly by the other.
  6. Small steps – Take small steps especially while turning around – for example to get into a chair.
  7. No lifting needed – The advantage of these types of walkers for elderly over standard walkers is that the senior does not need to pick it up to walk.

Recommended Features

  • Large fixed – Larger wheels roll better over uneven ground. Some front wheel walkers for elderly have swivelling wheels (like a shopping cart) but they are not as stable as the fixed wheels.
  • Lightweight – Light enough so the user can easily manoeuvre it as well as pick it up to place in car trunk, etc. That being said, if the user is a rather large individual, they will need to make sure it is strong enough to carry their weight.
  • Sturdy – Make sure the walker legs are sturdy and even. Some poorly made walkers have legs that are not exactly even so that it rocks. This makes it difficult to use and is a safety risk.
  • Foldable – Make sure it can fold in half so that it is easy to take in the trunk of a car, etc.

Accessories

  • Skis/Skids/Tennis Balls – These allow the rear legs to slide more easily on the ground than the regular rubber tips.
  • Oxygen tank holders – This can be difficult to manage as it increases the weight of the walker making it more difficult to move.
  • Trays/Bags – The bags are more useful than the trays as items can easily fall off the tray and are more likely to stay in the bag. These can be excellent additions to a folding walker as both hands are in use while using the walker (ie. no free hand to carry items around house).
  • Foam handles – They make walkers for elderly more comfortable – especially for those with arthritis – as the user will be placing a fair amount of weight onto the handles while using it.

Selecting a Rollator Walker (Also called: 4 Wheel or 4WW)

walkers for elderly

Rollators (also called 4 wheel walkers) are just that – walkers for elderly with four wheels, brakes, a seat and a basket/bag. They work well both indoors and outdoors – especially models with large wheels that easily roll over uneven ground and carpet.

Who Should Use a Rollator?

Elderly who need a walker for balance but do not need to put much weight onto it. It is also beneficial for seniors who need a seat to rest, want to carry items and want the security of having something to hold onto when walking. Most versions are also foldable and can fit in the trunk of a car. The styles with larger wheels are recommended as they roll easier on uneven ground and are usually more stable.

Who Should NOT Use A Rollator?

Elderly who have a sore foot/leg/hip and the doctor does not want them to place weight onto it (ex. post hip surgery). This is usually temporary and the senior can progress to a rollator at a later date.
Elderly with significant balance, strength and endurance issues. They may be safer using a two wheel walker or wheelchair – depending on what is causing their difficulty walking.

How to Use a Rollator

  1. Adjust to proper height – see below for how to fit a walker
  2. Lock brakes – I recommend locking the brakes anytime elderly are sitting down on the walker’s seat or getting up/down from a chair/bed/couch with the walker in front of them. On most rollator walkers with seats, the senior can lock the brakes by pressing the brake levers down till they lock in place. This ensures the walker will not roll away from the user.
  3. Get in position – Place both hands on the handles.
  4. Stand upright – This will likely place the users toes/midfoot in line with the rear wheels
  5. Walk normally – Try to stay in a normal upright walking position and not to hunch over or get the walker to far ahead.
  6. Small steps – Take small steps especially while turning around – for example to turn around to get into a chair.
  7. Using seat – Find level ground, lock brakes, turn around and sit down. Do not sit down to hard as brakes are built for light hold only.

Recommended Features

  • Large wheels – Larger wheels roll over uneven ground easier which makes it more enjoyable to use outside and also safer.
  • Lightweight – Some walkers are too heavy for smaller seniors as they cannot push them around easily – putting them at risk of falling.
  • Easy to use brakes – Some brakes are too stiff for elderly so be sure to have the senior try the brakes – both squeezing them as well as locking them.
  • Padded seat – Elderly will use the seat if it is comfortable.
  • Basket/Bag – I prefer models that allow easy access to the basket/bag while in the normal walking position. Baskets that are only accessible by reaching over top or around the walker are not safe and inconvenient.

Accessories

  • Standard options – Most walkers come with several standard features such as a basket/bag and padded seat.
  • Oxygen tank holders – Some walkers have enough room in the basket/bag for an oxygen tank or small portable concentrator. Others will benefit from an oxygen tank holder. Make sure it keeps the weight low to the ground or it makes the walker top heavy and prone to tipping over – Especially on uneven ground outside (such as a curb cutout at a crosswalk).
  • Cane holder – To hold their cane securely.
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Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits
Health Products

Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

 

The flexibility and freedom a rollator transport chair can offer over a traditional rollator is well worth the additional cost. A rollator transport chair can very easily and quickly be converted into a convenient and lightweight wheelchair or rollator. The benefits of this ability is especially helpful when you are traveling, needing to go shopping, or have had an operation such as a hip operation or knee replacement.Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOu4cm0wE48
The traditional wheelchair is heavy and cumbersome, making it extremely difficult to get in and out of vehicles. A rollator transport chair is much lighter and can easily be lifted into the trunk of the car and making them easier to take with you on trips where if you go. Click here to see the best rollator transport chairs. Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits

They make a wonderful, two in one transport chair if you are transitioning from an injury or operation such as a hip replacement or knee surgery. You can start with it as a transport chair, and as you regain your strength, you can work up to it as a supportive rollator walker to help you build up balance and muscle strength.

Weight is an essential consideration for a transport chair choice. They are lightweight and offer flexibility for travel, often folding into a smaller unit than your traditional wheelchairs or rollators and are considerably lighter in weight.
A rollator transport chair is perfect for using as a wheelchair in a busy shopping center or airport or used as a stable, supportive walking aid as you stroll around the country town on a day trip out.
Rollator transport chairs have smaller wheels than a wheelchair. Make sure when choosing your transport chair, the wheels are preferably around 8 inches as this will give you a smoother ride. Small wheels are not good on rough terrain and can give a bumpy, uncomfortable ride, plus making heavy work for the person wheeling transport chair.
The design and width of the seat is important. Be sure to look at the shape and design of the seat, is it padded, will it be large enough and what is made from… ? It is important to choose a rollator transport chair with a padded seat if you are going to be spending long periods of time sitting in it.

In Summary

When you need a carer to push you around during the times when you don’t feel stronger enough, are elderly or are recovering from operation, using a rollator transport chair which can double as rollator at a later date is invaluable. They are a much better option than a traditional wheelchair, offering the flexibly of being light, easy to transport in and out of cars when needed and can also provide confidence and support when walking.

Rolling Walker and Transport Chair Benefits

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