Styles

How to Choose a Walker or Rollator



There are many things to consider when choosing a walker or rollator. Deciding on which type of walker or rollator to choose depends on your needs. There are different styles of walkers made for health conditions, size and location of use. Each style has it advantages and a careful study should be made before choosing a walker. Discuss with your doctor or therapist which type of walker rollator would work best for you.

If you are looking for support and stability this walker is a good choice. It is the most stable allowing you to place some of your weight on your arms and less on your legs. It needs to be picked up and moved with each step.

Advantages:

  • Good for Moving Short Distances
  • Easy to get In and Out of a Chair
  • Offers Support and Stability

Disadvantage:

  • Not good for Walking Long Distances

 Standard Aluminum Frame with two 5” Wheels at Front and 2 Glides at Back

This type of walker gives you a lot of support and makes a more natural walking gait. The walker slides along on the front wheels and the back legs help to slow you down.

Advantages:

  • Smaller Size and Takes up Less Space Indoors
  • Offers Good Stability and Support
  • Folds Easily for Travel and Storage
  • Optional Tray can be Attached to the Front

Disadvantages:

  • Does Not Work Well Outdoors

Rollator Walker with 4 Wheels, Seat and Braking System

This type of rollator walker is a good choice if you are independent and just need a little stability and more endurance when walking. They are easy to push similar to pushing a shopping cart. They fold and can easily fit in a car.

 

Advantages:

  • Comes with a Seat
  • Can Carry Objects on the Seat such as a Laundry Basket
  • Good for Walking Outdoors
  • Optional Basket Available for an Oxygen Tank

Disadvantages:

  • Hand Brakes Hard to Work with Weak Hands
  • Move Easily if Not Locked
  • Larger and Take up More Space
  • Some do not Fold Easily

Transport Chair/Rollator

Medline Excel Translator - Transport Chair/Rollator, Blue Medline Excel Translator – Transport Chair/Rollator, BlueFeatures of the Medline Excel Translator: In just seconds, the Excel Translator easily converts from a rollator to a wheelchair and vice-versa. The Excel Translator allows rollator users to sit down and ride in a wheelchair when their legs get tired. And, wheelchair users can stand up and walk along when they want to get more exercise. Best of all, you only need to own one piece of equipment, rather than two! The Excel Translator weighs only 18 lbs which is no heavier than the average rollator or transport chair. It comes with a convenient cup holder, under-the-seat basket, zippered side carrying case, and easy-to-adjust pushbutton foot rests. You’ll be delighted with the comfortable, spacious seat which is more than 75% roomier than the average rollator seat.

There are many choices available for walkers and rollators. A good place to start is with your doctor or physical therapist by asking which type would work best for you. Visit a local medical supply store and try a few styles out before purchasing. Online stores may offer better pricing than retail stores. Check to see if you qualify for reimbursement of a walker through your insurance or Medicare.

The top brand names of walkers are Medline, Rollite Rollator, Invacare, Topro and Nova Walker.

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