Walker or Rollator? How to Know Which Type of Mobility Equipment is Needed

There are so many options to choose from, but how do you know which type of mobility equipment is best for your situation or needs? In this series of articles on mobility equipment we take a look at the various options available and give you some information on each type to help you know which piece of equipment may be best for you or your senior loved one. This is the second article in the series and we’ll focus on walkers and rollators to help you understand the differences. If you missed our first article in the series, click here for more information on crutches and knee walkers. Is your senior loved one living an independent lifestyle but may need a little extra help getting around? Do you have a condition such as arthritis, chronic back problems, had your hip replaced recently or experience breathing complications and notice how this has taken a toll on your endurance and ability to move around? Many seniors want to continue living independently on their own but have conditions that inhibit their ability to walk or move around their own home safely, but the use of a walker or rollator can prolong this independence and both are quite simple to use.  In addition to experiencing a fall or having surgery, general aging will also affect a senior’s ability to safely move around their home and Minnesota community. Typically, there is a decrease in strength, balance and vision, as well as other issues that all affect the elder’s mobility both inside and outside the home. Generally, a standard or a Hemi-walker will suffice. A walker is a common type of mobility aid used to give the person who is still able to walk some added support. A walker is a four-legged aluminum, lightweight frame which allows the user to lean on it for balance, support, or rest when needed.  A standard walker offers the elder the extra support they need for daily mobility along with features such as the capability to easily fold flat so it can fit in a car, bus or plane for transport. Other options include height adjustability and front wheels to help the user maneuver outdoor terrain.

A Hemi-walker is designed for individuals who have little or no dexterity in one hand or arm and for those who may not need a full walker but could use a wider base for support. Both types of walkers are lightweight, adjust to proper height, fold or collapse for easy storage and offer good stability to ensure safe mobility. Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment also carries several different accessories for each type of walker to make it a perfect fit. 

A rollator is basically a walker with 4 wheels. This type of walker also has brakes, a seat and includes a basket or bag. A rollator is beneficial for seniors who need a walker for balance but don’t need to put much weight on it. They should have the hand strength and mental capacity to use the brakes. This type of mobility aid also offers a seat to rest and the ability to carry items while providing the security of having something to hold on to when walking. With any of the above mentioned walking aids, you can customize or personalize the equipment in a variety of ways. Liberty Oxygen offers creative ways to ‘trick out’ your medical equipment and many accessory pieces to help you transport items safely while maintaining the functionality to continue managing daily chores or errands independently. Stop in at any of the eight Minneapolis/St. Paul metro Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment locations and let the creative staff members show you some ideas to take your walker or rollator to the next level.  There are many options to choose from and each customer’s situation is unique. Let our professional, trained experts at Liberty Oxygen help you know what type of equipment fits best with your needs and will ensure your senior loved one is using the most efficient and safe type of mobility aid.