Difficulties with rollator

[violasrbest]

Hi

I have recently bought a rollator and find that I hit the rear wheels with my feet because I have a wide gait. Does anyone have any tips or tricks, or should I just accept that a rollator is not for me?

[tommi47]

Hi Viola, Really any kind of mobility aid should be checked over by a Occupational Health person.

The Aids should be safe all round and as you purchased your own then it is hard to know what risks they may pose.

[wobblybee]

🙂 It isn’t easy choosing the most appropriate rollator…I have to admit I was swayed by ‘looks’.

I bought mine online, at the time it wasn’t available in a showroom. It was perfectly suitable 10 years ago, but now my needs are different…a heavier model would be the safest option.

Balance should be the first and foremost consideration when purchasing a walker or rollator. As a rule, the definition of sturdy varies from individual to individual. Narrower mobility aides, while easier to maneuver through a doorway, often seem ideal. Unfortunately, these narrower units aren't necessarily the best option for every individual, especially those with balance issues.

As a rule, most walkers measure 22.5-28 inches and most rollators measure 23-30 inches. The width that you see advertised is the width of the widest part. For example, some rollators are wider on the bottom than on the top and in those cases, the width would be measuring between the outside edge of the back wheels.

This link gives an example of a ‘wider based rollator’….but there are other options.

amazon.co.uk/Helavo-Heavy-D...

[Tallguy101]

Hi Viola, I have a Drive X fold and I do exactly know what you mean, I do the same occasionally with shopping trolley. As people have already said all walkers have a similar distance between the wheels so it really is case of practice, I find that in the first few steps I may catch the wheels but then adapt my gait accordingly to a more shuffling one. Afterall it's a lot safer than not using it particularly outside. You soon adapt when using it, trust me...

[SRUE]

My husband had the same problem. After a lot of research we bought a ByAcre Carbon rollator which is wider at the back. It's much better for him but it is expensive.

[Crisfromshipdham]

Ifound it best to no longer wear sandals in the summer (too many bruised toes) and in winter wore ankle boots. It was trial and error for me. No longer have a prolem as I have an electric wheelchair.

[Sea_]

I agree it is hard to get one to suit

Practice I found Acre good too but kept knocking into compact at first but got used to it

Worth it

Good luck 🤞

[Telegraphist]

Some good comments already. Have you tried walking closer in? Having the rollator "around" you (instead of in front of you) is better for stability and you may be less likely to hit the wheels.

[violasrbest]

Thanks to all. I will try and remember. I have a Powerchair but wanted the option of a rollator.