Looking for recommendations for rollators, please!

[dimndgal1]

My folks are taking DD and I to Orlando next month as a birthday trip to WWoHP and I feel like this would be a good opportunity to do a dry run for our big Disney trip next summer. My primary issue is back/groin sciatica and I'm not sure how I'll do in the parks with the extended standing/walking. We're only doing Sea World one day (yay - lots of shows) and Islands of Adventure another (mostly just to hit WWoHP), so it won't be as tiring of a day as Disney will be, but I figure it will help me get a feel for what might help next summer.

I'm really liking the idea of getting a rollator and was wondering if anyone had some recommendations for what to look for? I've seen the four wheel models with a seat, and also some three-wheeled ones that are supposedly easier to maneuver. Do companies in Orlando rent rollators? Does anyone prefer one model to another?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tobikaye]

My sister has two rollators, each four wheels. For her, it is more about stability that the four wheels work best. The one she uses most has a higher seat so she does not have to lower herself as far. It was actually bought at a Harbour Freight. The other one was ordered from Drugstore.com. It has a wider seat/back support, but the seat is a bit low.

Sorry, I am not sure about specific brands or of any place that rents them.

 

[peemagg]

Some have 6 inch wheels and others have 8 inch. I would go with the larger wheels. I have one with the smaller wheels and it is harder to push on rough ground.

 

[Gillingham]

Walmart have a very good selection of rollators that you can try before you buy. I would suggest a four wheeled model with a seat and a back bar for stability when you sit on it. I keep bottled water, hand wipes etc in the basket under the seat and it also stores anything I puchase in the parks. When you feel pain coming on or lines are long you have a ready made seat, but don't forget to put your brakes on!

 

[dimndgal1]

I had no idea there were so many options, and now I know what to look for and compare!

Walmart have a very good selection of rollators that you can try before you buy. I would suggest a four wheeled model with a seat and a back bar for stability when you sit on it. I keep bottled water, hand wipes etc in the basket under the seat and it also stores anything I puchase in the parks. When you feel pain coming on or lines are long you have a ready made seat, but don't forget to put your brakes on!

I didn't even think of Wal*Mart, and I have, like, 5 in the area I can look through! I also appreciate the tidbit about the brakes -- I am the type of person to fall a good two or three times before the concept sinks in.

 

[cmesq61]

I have Nova brand deluxe rollator w/ seat & basket, 8 inch wheels, weighs 11 pounds with the basket & back rest removed. Could not work w/o it. Things to look for/think about:
**wheel size--if you go outside with it at all, get 8 inch
**3 vs. 4 wheels: 4 wheels more stable so if you have balance issues 4 wheels likely better...also consider stability while sitting on it
**total weight since you'll have to lift it
**is the back rest confortable for you
**do you fit reasonably comfortably on the seat
**can you collapse it yourself
**can you operate the hand brakes (some people have muscle weakness & you have to be able to use the brakes for safety)

And don't forget the color--mine is purple cause I'm a woman that likes to make a statement!

 

[GranJan]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that they come in different heights. They are all adjustable a little but the lowest level on some may be too high if you're short. I learned that the hard way with the 1st one I ordered & got one made for taller people...it makes me have to bend my arms which is not comfortable & having the seat too high cuts the circulation off your legs when your feet don't touch the ground flat when sitting. I didn't have the strength for the hand brakes either, so I just keep it on my patio for outdoor use...no brakes needed in the grass & luckily it did have the large wheels. I agree about 4 wheels being more stable...I've tried a 3 wheeled & didn't like it. They do make one with push down brakes that are activated by pushing down...easier for weak hands...I have one & like the brakes but the back wheels are double on each side, making the distance between the wheels narrow. I'm always kicking my toe on the wheels but it may just be the way I walk.

I feel like I'm an expert since I've bought 5 walkers trying to find what worked best for me & now have 3 that I use...one in the house, one in the yard & one in the car. Two I gave to Goodwill. Since your condition sounds like you don't have any issues with hand weakness, any type brake would be fine so I'd just go with a 4 wheeled with larger wheels - the right height - the lightest weight - one with a seat & basket. If you shop on Amazon, they have several around $100 or less with free shipping. I not sure, but I think the lighter weight ones are a little more expensive.

 

[dimndgal1]

Thank you all so much! I appreciate the personal info and details. I am just starting to accept that I need to be (as DH calls it) my own transformer. He likens it to modifying for better performance.

I am grateful to get so much helpful information and feel better equipped in what I might need. I'm going to talk to my doctor first -- see what her opinion is and *fingers crossed* if insurance decides to help out.

Thanks again!!! I'll probably be back with even more questions!

P.S. really appreciate the weight idea -- DH is always bouncing around, so it's just me and DD a lot... learned the hard way with the stroller

P.P.S. I will DEF focus on color, too!

 

[catra121]

I got the Nova Zoom (18 inch seat height) from amazon.com. I LOVE it! You can get one at various heights with different seat heights. The 18" is great for me but I would say despite what they say that it is probably not great for anyone over 5ft tall (they say up to 5"4'). It has 8 inch wheels (4 wheels) and works great outside. It has a cloth basket so it does not need to have any parts removed to fold it up (some have metal baskets that need to be removed first). And mine is pink because...well...I wanted to be different. I'd definitely recommend the 4 wheel model so that you have a place to sit when you need to no matter where you are. Amazon had free shipping and what I loved best was the reviews you can read on there for many of their models. That really helped me sort through what I needed out of a walker and what the "reality" of the walker was from people who have used it.

Good luck!!

 

[dimndgal1]

I cannot express my gratitude for all the information and resources you all have given me! I feel much more knowledgeable and prepared for what I need. I am glad to know about the height, brake, seat, and even color choices.

I have an appointment with an ortho specialist and am going to discuss what he thinks I should look for/need so that I can make sure I cover my bases.

Thanks again and I hope you all know how much your time meant for me!!!

 

[harrismargaret9]

It might help you to go to a local medical supplies store and try out some different models. It's important to find one that you're comfortable with.