Friday 29 September 2017

Selecting A Rollator Walker - Tips To Utilize

By Michelle Phillips


Apart from rolling walkers there are the standard walkers without wheels, built with telescoping aluminum supports, they are ideal for people whose injuries are not permanent. The standard walker is inexpensive and considered to be a 'throw-away' as once the injured are rehabilitated, they no longer need the walker. The rollator walker is designed for long term use by many permanently disabled people, and also for people whose balance is challenged by various reason including aging.

Weight Capacity- Compare your weight to the maximum load capacity for the rollator. There are some rollators with 250 to 300-pound maximum weight capacity while others offer 500 to 600 pounds.

Height Size- There are minimum and maximum height ranges for roller handles. Most manufactures recommend the handle height be adjusted to wrist height level while standing upright. Some rollers are adjusted at the handle bars while other are adjusted at the leg extensions by pressing a snap button. Floor to Seat Height- Ensure your feet are flat on the floor while seated. This will provide more stability during the sitting and standing up phase.

While you were a toddler, as mentioned, you probably have used strollers that served as guides as you learn and condition your legs and feet for the basic activity called walking. During old age or several medical and special conditions, you may be left as helpless as a toddler because you are not able to move your legs to facilitate instant and effective mobility.

Wheeled strollers come in a wide variety of designs, with 3 or 4 wheels, and some with larger diameter wheels, usually of at least 7 inches which make it easier to travel over uneven terrain, "Off-road" if you will. This enables the user to venture out doors more for shopping trips and the like. Crutches are another traditional aid to walking for the injured or disabled; modern crutches are more likely to have a hand grip and an elbow support rather than fitting under the armpit as they used to do.

Folding Style- Four-wheel rollers have two different folding styles. Some fold up vertically, and others fold similar to a stroller. This type of roller has two side panels with press down paddle folding release mechanism. Frame Material- Rollers are generally made of two types of materials, aluminum, and steel. Aluminum rollers are lighter and usually associated with individuals weighing less than 250 pounds. The steel rollers weigh more but cost less than aluminum rollers.

The standard 4 legged strollers have become 4 wheel strollers that are loaded with the following features: hand brakes, seats, accessories such as baskets, horns and lights and can be folded to make them easy to store or bring with you.

All rolling strollers require the user to be sufficiently stable and strong enough to be able to control the stroller as it has wheels. Without control the stroller will roll ahead of the user causing them to overbalance and fall. Modern rollators come equipped with brakes which can be set easily by the user. And for added comfort it has a drop down seat, which allows the user to rest between walking when they tire. The Hugo stroller is a well-knows brand of rolling stroller, it is popular because it comes with a variety of features and functions. Available in aluminum or steel frames with a large variety of colors and styles, it also has brakes and drop down seat.




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