Fear of Falling for My Husband

I'm kinda in the same situation. I dislike the four prong cane also. It's heavier, and when you place it in front to take a step and move forward, the legs of the cane 'rumble' as the four feet hit the ground. I'll choose my older cane with one foot . As for the rollator, I like it. It provides more stability while you're walking or standing. It provides a brake to make it even more stable while standing still, as well as getting seated on the rollator. A rollator is great alternative when a cane doesn't provide enough stability. Just my opinions. It's how I have progressed so far.
I also have used my wheelchair at a museum when several hours of being up on my feet were out of the question.
I hope this helps you. Barry

I'd say it's time for the rollator now. I've got a fusion Airgo 2 in 1 F20 and it works great. I have PSP!!

Now is the time to get a rollator - before he falls. Grab bars in the bathrooms, stair chair if significant steps in the house and avoiding loose fitting shoes and throw rugs. I had a scary fall within the past 6 months - never saw it coming and hit the hardwood floor hard. Thankfully no broken bones, but it scared me into taking extra steps to protect myself. Be proactive and good luck.

Keep up the PT and if they have a CLIMB Parkinson’s class anywhere close this has been great for my husband. The other day he had a REM sleep episode where he hit the night stand with his arm and then hit his sternum on the corner of the stand but never fell out of bed. So he has a rib fracture and is having issues going to sleep for fear.

@pspalsy - I'm not sure what brand rollator mine is. It's the one that the VA prescribed and provided. It's a good, sturdy one, and easy to fold for storage, or loading in your vehicle.

@jrwilli1
I had similar REM sleep episodes in the past, but none since my neurologist Rx'd Clonazepam at bedtime. May be worth a try.

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.

@bmfoster they did just prescribe that. So far so good.

@barryl if you Google Fusion Airgo F20 - 2 in 1, it was recommended by my occupational therapist. It does have foot rests on it too, and you can be pushed in it, like a wheel chair, if need be. It has 8 to 9 inch wheels that are very stable. I use it on gravel and uneven surfaces, as we live off grid!!

@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!!