![]() |
Image by cocoparisienne from Pixabay |
Mobility aids provide a wonderful service. They allow people to maintain more confidence & independence. Walkers and rollators are two popular mobility aids that can help tremendously. A walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. A different approach to the walker is the rollator, also called wheeled walker. The difference between a walker and a rollator is wheels.
A walker has four legs and all four legs stay in
contact with the ground when you are moving. The walker must be lifted in order
to move forward. A rollator is often called a “rolling walker with a
seat”. A rollator has four wheels and brakes and does not need to be
lifted to move forward.
What is a Walker?
- Legs of walker do not have wheels
- Accessories are available to enable the walker to slide forward
- Walker must be lifted up and put back down before stepping forward
- Can be used to support partial body weight
- Does not have a seat
- Walkers can be used to help maintain balance while walking
- Some walkers have two wheels in front and these are hybrids, not quite a walker and not quite a rollator.
![]() |
RWK 101 WALKING FRAME |
![]() |
For best mobility aids, mobility scooters, medical equipment, lift chairs, patients hoist & wheelchairs for sale at SNT Health Supplies.
What is a Rollator?
- Rollators are also called rolling walkers, wheeled walkers, and medical rolling walkers
- All legs of the rollator have wheels
- Wheels slide the rollator forward so unit does not need to be lifted in order to move forward
- Should not be used to support body weight because this can result in falls
- Rollators have a seat and some have removable backs for balance while sitting
- Rollators cannot be used for balance while walking
- Medline Guardian Rollators are specifically designed for tall people over 5′ 11″ and up to 6′ 3″.
![]() |
PA 32 Seat Walker/Rollator |
![]() |
Heavy Duty Rollator with Cable Breaks |
They
are adjustable in height and are light-weight, yet sturdier than conventional
walkers. The handlebars are equipped with hand brakes that can be lifted or
pushed downward to instantly stop the rollator. The brakes can also be used in
maneuvering the rollator; by braking one side while turning the rollator
towards that side a much tighter turning radius can be achieved.
A recent study has found an increase in the use of rollators by young people “usually in their thirties who are setting a new standard for walking among young people”. The researchers conclude that this might be helpful in alleviating the stigma that using a rollator currently carries.
What is a Hybrid Rolling Walker?
- Hybrid rolling walkers have two legs in back and two wheels in front
- Hybrid rolling walkers can be lifted and then with the weight of the walker resting on the wheels, the walker can then be slid forward
![]() |
RWK 303 WalkingFrame/Hybrid Rolling Walker |
- Rolling walkers can be used to slightly support weight and maintain balance however care must be given because there are two wheels that can move forward quickly
- Hybrid rolling walkers generally don’t have seats
- Rolling walkers can be used in smaller floor plans where a full size rollator would be less useful because of their size
The basic design consists of a lightweight frame that is about waist high,
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) deep and slightly wider than the user.
Walkers are also available in other sizes such as pediatric (for children) or
bariatric (for obese persons). Modern walkers are height adjustable and should
be set at a height that is comfortable for the user, but will allow the user to
maintain a slight bend in their arms. This bend is needed to allow for proper
blood circulation through the arms as the walker is used. The front two legs of
the walker may or may not have wheels attached, depending on the strength and
abilities of the person using it.
Mobility aids come in handy when someone who has trouble gets around
wants to continue living at home. Even for children with a walking difficulty,
the walker, rollator, or wheelchair
can give them the independence they need to attend school or go out with their
friends. Both of which are helpful for self-esteem development.
👍👍
ReplyDelete