A rollator is a walking frame, also known as a walker, with three or four wheels at the bottom. Rollators also come with an in-built seat and handlebars at the front. The goal of a walker is to help the user walk easily on various surfaces. The chair or seat also allows you to sit when needed. Some walkers come with added accessories like baskets which come in handy when you are shopping.
These walking aids are designed for people with movement problems from old age and other conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. They can also come in handy for people with non-age related illnesses that impact their movement capabilities.
It is also worth mentioning that the person using the device needs to be strong enough (made of aluminium), can control the wheels and brakes without any help, and not exceed a specific weight limit.
How to use a Rollator to stand and walk
You can use this walker for standing and walking. Below is a step by step guide for how you can do this;
Step 1: Set the walker to the proper handle height for the correct posture
Before starting using this device, the first thing you have to do is adjust its height and get the correct posture. Here, you must pay keen attention to the height of the handles. This will ensure that you get the proper posture for walking. Therefore, you must ensure that the handles are not too high as this could strain your neck and make walking uncomfortable. On the other hand, you must ensure that the handles are also not too low. This could result in muscle injuries and pain. A low handle will also prevent you from getting adequate support, leading to back pains and poor posture. Below is a guide for how you can adjust the height to the right level;
• Stand next to the rollator with it in front of you
• Let your arms hang in a relaxed position
• Adjust the handles to your hip height
Step 2: Place the device on a stable surface
Once you have set the device to the proper height, you can place the walker on a stable surface. Ensure that it is in front of you.
Step 3: Turn on the brakes
The next step is turning on the brakes. This will keep the wheels from moving and causing accidents or injuries.
Step 4: Sit at the edge of the seat and stand up
You can proceed to sit at the edge of the chair with your feet firmly placed on the floor. Using both your hand, support yourself and move forward. Ensure that your body weight is on your feet and legs and not on the walker. Press the feet of your heels on the floor and push your weight up.
Kindly ensure that you are securely balanced. With that, you have successfully used the device for standing up. You can proceed with the steps below if you are using the product for walking;
Step 5: Grip the handles and bake levers
If you want to use the product for walking, you can grip the handles and brake levers after standing. Ensure that your grip on the handle is loose. On the other hand, you need not do the same with the brake levers. Instead, keep two fingers near the levers. Doing this allows you access to the brakes if you need to start or stop the walker.
Step 6: Get the right balance & used to the wheels
The next step is to centre your body weight. This will help you remain stable and balanced before you can start walking.
Step 7: Walking
After completing the steps above successfully, you can start waking with the walker. Doing this is quite simple. Ensure to coordinate the movement of your feet with the movement of your rollator. This means that when you take a step forward, you must also move your rollator forward. While walking with the device, you must keep the weight on your legs and not the walker. The walker’s purpose is to provide you with added support and confidence, not to take on your body weight. It is also vital that you keep moving your feet forward in the same direction with each stride.
How to use the device for sitting
In addition to walking and standing using the device, you can also use it for sitting. The following is a guide for how you can achieve this;
Step 1: Engage the brakes and push the walker to a wall
The first thing you have to do when using the walker for sitting is to move it to a wall, piece of furniture, on any other position to get added stability. Once you have the correct position, you can engage the brakes. This will keep the walker in a steady position and prevent any accidents from sudden movements of the wheels.
Step 2: Methodically sit on the walker
The next step is to sit on the walker. Here, it would help if you started by turning around, so your back faces the chair. From there, slowly bed down towards the chair. While doing this, you should be holding on to the seat or handles for balance. However, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed to prevent accidents or injuries. Finally, you can gently sit on the device. Remember to keep your hands on the handles the entire time you are sitting on the rollator.
Final word
Using a rollator can be intimidating at first. Therefore, it would be wise to practice indoors for some time before you can take the device outdoors. Practising will help you learn how to use the product and also build your confidence safely. You can get assistance from a medical practitioner or a physiologist when learning to use the device.