Thinking of trying a rollator, rent or buy? Experiences??

[sharadoc]

Hi all,

I have bad arthritis and a bad Achilles. I find walking can get painful, but using an ECV makes me worse - I get stiff sitting too long on it, so I want to walk more than ride. Plus standing still is even worse. A friend suggested a rollator. I have looked at them online and thought it could be a good idea for those Epcot evenings, fireworks, times, etc. when I have to stand still for a period of time.

Would you suggest buying or renting one there? We drive, so we could bring one but on the other hand, what if I don't like it, then I'm stuck with it??

Any thoughts??

 

[powellrj]

I would buy one. If you check on craigslist, many times you can find them used. I bought mine on Amazon for around $100 and thought it was great until I tried my dads. My brother bought it for him and paid $300 for it and its wonderful!

 

[gap2368]

like poerlirj said if you can find one cheep enough I would just buy it I think renting one could be almost the same price ( depending on how many days you are staying) it looks like you have 3 months so that should give you time to find one you like also check out CVS/walgreens if you have either of these stores in your area as my area had roller on sale for $99 new

 

[GranJan]

I think if you plan to use it other places, it would pay to buy one. They're not that expensive so renting one for a week would almost pay for it. I did make some poor choices in finding the right one & ended up donating a few mistakes. Things to consider are: they come in different heights, even though they're adjustable, if you're very tall or short you want to get the appropriate one for your size. Some are much lighter so if that's important I think the lighter weight rollators are a little more expensive...probably worth it if you'll be getting it in & out of a car. I assume you"ll definately want one with a seat. I use an ECV now except at home I use a walker. Looking back, I regret not using a walker much sooner. It would've allowed me to do so much more in the days when I could still get around a little. I know what you mean about preferring to walk more. If I could, I'd definitely use a rollator as much as possible instead of an ECV & I'd buy instead of rent.

 

[mamabunny]

Remember that sometimes civic organizations (think of the Masons, Elk, etc.) sometimes have a "lending library" of assistive equipment for adults.

Also, many churches have a closet with crutches, walkers, Rollators, wheelchairs that they can loan.

If you are not sure, ask around your community to see if anyone has one you can borrow first.

We have one (it was my Mom's) that we regularly loan out to friends and family. I'm ever-hopeful that someday I can leave my personal ECV at home, and just take the Rollator...

 

[Bete]

If you are on Medicare I believe you can get one that way. Go to a medical supply company and see what they can do for you with Medicare benefits.

If you are not on Medicare I would still get one because you will unfortunately probably need one again. Why keep paying for a rental when that money could go towards having your own one. Again, go to a medical supply company and use their demo models and walk around with them to see how you feel about using one.

I'm sure you have a window to return it if you really don't like it. Check that out with your supplier, too.

Finally, see if you can borrow one for a trip from someone. Ask around at church or wherever and you may be fortunate to get a lender.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would purchase. There's a model I sort of like on Amazon for around $75 (but if a wheel comes off again, I'm changing models), and QVC has a couple of different ones reasonably priced as well.

 

[weetot]

Medicare only pays for part of the price of the walker (which is better than nothing) as long as you have a prescription from your doctor. I know because I bought one about nine months ago. It's an excellent walker, with seat, basket and brakes. I like the basket because I can carry my oxygen in it. Consider your needs first.

 

[sharadoc]

Thanks everyone. CVS is running a 25% off everything sale, so I'm thinking of grabbing one there. I'm average height, around 5'5" - 5'6" so a standard one should work. I'm a ways away from Medicare, so it's definitely out of pocket.

Appreciate all the good conversation.

 

[lanejudy]

I'm a ways away from Medicare, so it's definitely out of pocket.

I wouldn't automatically assume it to be non-covered expense depending on your needs. Necessary medical equipment should be covered under the major medical part of private (third party) insurances. You would have to speak with your doctor, get the approval and order through the correct channels for insurance to cover it. It may be easier and quicker to just buy one yourself, though, if you can afford the sale price.

Good luck!

 

[elmoandzoey]

Just a hint - let someone show you how to properly adjust the rollator to your height and how to use it. I always cringe when I see people with mobility issues using a completely wrong setup with their rollator. My grandmother was one of those people who'd never had her rollator adjusted and she constantly fell and suddenly had serious back issues. We always wondered why until we saw the rollator was set up too low for her and she was pushing it way too far in front of her instead of walking between the handles. After we had it adjusted to her height and she was shown how to properly walk, she never fell again and her back problems ceased.

 

[sharadoc]

Just a hint - let someone show you how to properly adjust the rollator to your height and how to use it. I always cringe when I see people with mobility issues using a completely wrong setup with their rollator. My grandmother was one of those people who'd never had her rollator adjusted and she constantly fell and suddenly had serious back issues. We always wondered why until we saw the rollator was set up too low for her and she was pushing it way too far in front of her instead of walking between the handles. After we had it adjusted to her height and she was shown how to properly walk, she never fell again and her back problems ceased.

Thank you. Great information, I wouldn't have thought of that.