Rollators
About Rollators
Do you know it was the early 1950s when the walkers for elders first came up? The very first US patent was awarded in 1953 for the device named “Walking Aid.” Later in 1949, it was filed with the British patent.
Today the modified versions of these walkers are known as rollators. A rollator, walker or walking frame is a special tool for disabled people who need support to maintain their stability and balance while walking. Commonly they are recommended for older adults with age-related physical restrictions. In the meantime, they are also used by people recuperating from back and leg injuries. And in some cases, people with wild imbalance while walking and standing can be seen using these devices. Considering users’ varying needs and preferences, there are different types of rollators available in the market today.
Different types of Rollators
Among all others, a rollator is the most flexible type of walker. However, it is usually an expensive choice. If the user needs to stop often while walking, a rollator walker can be an ideal choice. In most cases, these walkers can be modified by adding different accessories. Commonly people add baskets and shopping bags to free their hands and movement. You can find them with a specific set of common features, but then rollators are specifically designed for people with special needs. Here are some of these special types for people with special needs.
The three and four-wheel rollator
A three-wheel rollator has two wheels at the back and one at the front. These walkers are highly manoeuvrable and are useful for indoor use. They work ideally in tight corners and congested places. However, they are less stable than a four-wheel rollator. A four-wheeled option is easier to push and offer a sufficient amount of stability. Based on the structure of these devices, the weight is evenly distributed over a larger surface area. It allows a smoother push with a sound grip on the device. For this reason, the four-wheeler is more appreciated by older adults.
Bariatric and lightweight rollator
A bariatric rollator is just like a bariatric walking frame. It is designed for larger-sized people. These models are built stronger and can offer strong support to heavier weights. For the same reason, these models have larger wheels to offer more stability while riding over the soft grounds. Lightweight or indoor rollators, on the other hand, are specifically suitable for indoor use. They have comparatively smaller wheels which make them a bad choice for outdoor use or on uneven terrains. This type usually doesn’t have any seat and can just be used for walking.
Gutter walker and rollator/wheelchair combo
A gutter walker comes with an armrest; hence it can take more of the user’s weight. The user can put its forearm to rest on the provided grip on the handle. They are ideal for people who cannot put much weight on their hands hence an ideal option for patients with arthritis. If not suitable, you can use the one that can be used as a wheelchair. In this case, the wheels have a longer base and footrest so that someone can sit on them and be pushed. A walker with a seat is a versatile and convenient option for people who need a walker and needs a wheelchair.
Tips on how to buy Rollators online in the UAE
A rollator is much more than a few iron rods with the wheel in the base. Every patient or user has different demands, and there is a perfect option for them in each case. With so many options online, it is quite a tough task to find and get hands-on a durable and effective option. But with so many brands offering their products online, you can make the best buying decision while sitting on your couch. However, the decision of choosing an ideal option depends on certain factors. Here we will share some tips on how you can get hands-on a reliable option. These tips can help you make a reliable and smart buying decision online.
- The weight – While buying a rollator, consider its weight capacity. Usually, they have seats for users, and this is where the weight capacity comes to play. You can find a rollator with different weight categories for people with different weights. Consider the user and search for a product accordingly.
- Height adjustability – The best thing about a modern rollator is that you can adjust it according to the user’s height. However, not all options come with the property. Better is to do some research and find a model where you can adjust the handle and seat height.
- The style – Here, we mean the three-wheeling or four-wheeling model. The type or style of wheels on the device will point out the stability, computability with terrains, outdoor usage specifications and many others.
- Consider the pricing factors – They are expensive, and the prices vary according to the brand, type and size of the machine. Hence if you are looking for cheap options with big wheels, look for options from different brands and make decisions that suit you the most.
It is always a great idea to go online to find walkers for sale. An online retail search engine can give you the freedom to choose from as many options as you want to explore. But remember, the key for the best rollator to buy is to find one that suits the needs, age, physical abilities and limitations of the user, plus medication if it is on any. Plus, you should consider the weight, height and preferable usage of the rollator before starting looking for an option in the online store .
Question & Answer
What are the best rollators?
An ideal machine depends on the needs of an individual user. It may demand you to consider the weight, body structure, type and level of disability and the reason for using this machine. However, some of the bestselling items available on any retail search engine are Drive Medical RTL Nitro Euro-Style Light Weight Aluminum Walker and the Guardian Envoy 480 Deluxe Medline. In the meantime, people also prefer using EnerStride Professional with Handbrakes and Caregiver Handles, and the Polo Plus-T Folding by Rebotec for indoor use.
Does Medicare cover rollators?
Yes, many medical insurance categories cover the walkers for adults. However, to be eligible, the walker must be medically necessary and prescribed by the doctors or other treating providers for use inside the home. These are generally the cases where the users face temporary or permanent disability due to incidents like road accidents. It can also be due to any structural and functional damage in bones, leading to limiting physical movements of the person.
What is the difference between a rollator and a walker?
The wheel is the feature that differentiates a walker from a rollator. A walker has four legs, and all of these need to stay in contact with the ground while moving. The user needs to lift it to move forward. Whereas a rollator can move forward without lifting it, this forward movement is aided by a wheel at the end of each leg of the machine. Moreover, they are larger and heavier as compared to walkers. Also, they have more features and variations in terms of design, size, and weight capacities.
What is the lightest weight rollator walker?
Some of the bestselling items available in the market include Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style RedWalker, the Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker with Fold-up Removable Back Support and Lightweight Walker with break and seat. Other options you can have a look at are Medline Freedom Mobility Lightweight Folding Aluminum Walker and the Drive Medical Aluminum Walker.
At Shops.ae You can find all these items, plus much more than you can ever imagine. Here you can find products from brands like Medline, Rollz Motion, Drive Medical, and Nova. We offer you easy buying perks from fashion and style to health and beauty and everything you may need in your life.