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Fear of Falling for My Husband
Caregivers | Last Active: May 21 4:00pm | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
Many people I see using a rollator are doing it incorrectly. They are too far behind the rollator and are leaning down into it. Not good for posture or stability. Leaning on a shopping cart is very useful when shopping, but it is *leaning* and does not promote longterm stability habits.
It is more helpful to stand close in to the rollator (which may seem counterintuitive at first) and stand straight as possible. Avoid leaning on the rollator. Hold your hands where they could quickly pull on the brakes if needed.
If you have a need to sit, lock the brakes before you move to sit down, and after you have fully stood up again.
I find the rollator really helps when I take an outside walk. For outside, I think a rollator with 8 or 9 inch wheels would be most suited. They are also not light (20 lbs) so I have a lighter one to put in the car.
Replies to "Many people I see using a rollator are doing it incorrectly. They are too far behind..."
In the physical therapy, they specifically said not to depend on a shopping cart for balance. Apparently the things unexpectedly move and if your balance is bad to begin with, you can fall.
I’m a fan of the older standard folding walker with the front 2 wheels. I only use the rollator with larger wheels on uneven ground and when I know I will need to sit before getting to my destination.
That said, the standard walker screams, “I am old and infirm. “ That’s why so many of us don’t use it although it is lightweight and convenient and it really works.
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@southwest
One suggestion based on a bad experience. Don't ever allow someone to sit on the rollator seat and then push them in it like a mini-wheelchair. I did this with my Mother and when we hit a small bump in the path the rollator flipped over in the middle of a street crossing. She was on her back and I was suspended over her still holding onto the handlebars. Quite a sight to see. Thankfully only minor scrapes and bruises and a gentleman stopped his truck to help us both get up. Lesson learned!!