Does anyone have any experience/advice on choosing and using and using a rollator? I can step using a zimmer or a quadstick, but not far and not much. As I also have osteoporosis, weight-bearing exercise such as walking is desirable, but I don’t know how to achieve this, and thought a rollator might help. I only have one usable hand and leg. Would I be wasting my money, or is this a good idea? Any advice or experiences welcome.
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It is possible to buy a rollator second hand, which will reduce the cost, but you probably need someone to pick it up for you.
They are also offered new at a reduced price fairly regularly by the distributors.
My mobility isn’t great but a rollator did get me started.
I reckon it was money well spent.
The advantage of these things is that you can take a few steps and then have a sit down when you feel like it.
The seat or the space under it is very useful if you want to take a cup, a plate, or something else from one place to another.
My right side has restricted movement but I was able to put my right hand on the handle bar and I think after doing this for a while my grip and control did improve a little.
I had to take a taxi once or twice. The rollator folds and will go in the boot.
The taxi driver was very helpful when it came to doing this.
There is a pretty standard cheaper version and a number of more expensive versions.
I got a cheaper one to start with they retail for about £90 but I got mine on offer at £50-60.
So keep your eyes peeled.
Second hand can be even cheaper.
However eventually I bought a more expensive one at around £200. You do get what you pay for.
I would avoid the lighter three wheeled versions, they are not as stable as a four wheel type.
I hope this info is useful and if you have any questions ask away.
This forum is a great place to chat with others who know what life after stroke can be like.
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Thank you for your reply. What does the £200 one offer that the cheaper ones don’t?
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This is the basic one I started with.
They are on offer from Careco at £70 right now.
Can be had much cheaper second hand.
Below is a picture of the more expensive one.
More substantial build, bigger wheels, aluminium frame.
Good for all terrain.
helavo H1140 all terrain £229.90 from Amazon.
There is more info at Amazon UK
I actually also acquired an electric scooter much later which greatly enhances my mobility.
However all this does cost a lot of money.
You need to save your pennies.
Being disabled isn’t a cheap hobby.
I should have taken up darts or fishing.
This is myself with the more expensive rollator at the beach in spring last year.
The cheaper rollator would have been no good in these conditions.
.
For anyone affected by stroke
I’ve written about a lot of stroke related stuff on my Blog.
It is a Journal of some of my experiences post stroke.
Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
and while I’m at it, here’s links to my YouTube channels if you’d like to see more.
Keep on keepin on
Stroke Online Amateur Players (S.O.A.P.)
I’m very amateur, but it keeps me out of mischief.
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Thank you for that very helpful input. Not a cheap hobby, as you say.
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