A rollator is a wheeled walking aid that provides mobility assistance and stability. Unlike standard walkers that must be lifted with each step, the rollator’s wheels allow it to glide smoothly, offering continuous support and a more natural gait. Proper and safe use of this device depends entirely on correct initial setup and mastering specific techniques for movement, stopping, and resting. Understanding how to properly prepare the rollator and apply correct walking methods ensures the device functions as an extension of your own body, promoting confidence and independence.
Preparing the Rollator for Safe Use
The correct adjustment of the rollator handles is the first and most fundamental step toward safe operation. To adjust the handles, stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and allow your arms to hang naturally at your sides. The handgrips must then be adjusted so they align perfectly with the crease in your wrist. This “wrist height rule” ensures your elbows have a slight bend of approximately 15 to 20 degrees when you grip the handles, which is the optimal position for comfortable use and proper posture.
Setting the handles too low encourages hunching over the frame, shifting your center of gravity forward and increasing the risk of a fall. Conversely, handles set too high can cause shoulder tension and force you to walk too far behind the rollator. Both handles must be set to the exact same height to prevent the rollator from unevenly weighting or pulling to one side while walking.
Before every use, confirm that the wheels roll freely without any dragging. To test the parking brake, engage the lock mechanism and then try to gently push the rollator forward; it should remain completely stationary. If the device moves or if one wheel rolls more than the other, the brakes require immediate adjustment before the rollator can be used safely.
Mastering the Basic Walking Technique
Maintaining an upright posture is paramount when walking with a rollator to avoid leaning forward. It is helpful to focus your gaze on a spot about 7 to 10 meters ahead of you, rather than looking down at your feet or the wheels. Engaging your core muscles slightly helps to maintain balance and stability throughout your movement.
The proper gait involves pushing the rollator forward a short, comfortable distance—typically just a few inches—before stepping. You should walk into the frame, ensuring that your feet are positioned between the rear wheels, not behind them. This close proximity to the frame keeps your body’s center of gravity safely supported by the device.
Avoid letting the rollator roll too far ahead, as this causes you to lean forward and reach for the handles. Your movement should be a fluid sequence of pushing the frame, stepping with a natural heel-to-toe gait, and repeating the process. Practice keeping a steady, measured pace that allows you to maintain control and balance with each stride.
Safe Braking and Parking Methods
The rollator’s braking system serves two distinct purposes: slowing the device while moving and locking it in place when stationary. To slow down or manage your speed on a slight decline, lightly squeeze both hand brake levers simultaneously. This continuous, gentle application of pressure helps to control the rollator’s momentum without causing an abrupt stop that could throw you off balance.
The second function is the parking brake, which is necessary when you intend to stop completely or use the seat. To engage the parking brake, push the hand brake levers all the way down until they click into the locked position, ensuring the rollator cannot roll away.
Always verify that the parking brakes are fully locked before attempting to shift your weight or sit down. You can test the lock by gently trying to push the device forward and backward. If the rollator moves at all, the brakes are not secure, and the device is unsafe to sit on or lean against.
Using the Seat and Handling Obstacles
When you wish to use the seat, you must approach the location, fully engage the parking brakes, and turn your back to the seat. Carefully back up until the backs of your legs make contact with the edge of the seat. Use the rollator handles, or nearby stable furniture, to slowly lower yourself onto the seat, ensuring your feet remain flat on the floor.
To stand up again, scoot forward to the edge of the seat and lean your body forward, bringing your nose over your toes. Push up using your legs and the rollator handles, but do not pull on the handles, as this can cause the frame to tip forward. Once you are standing and balanced, you can release the parking brakes and resume walking.
Navigating corners and obstacles also requires deliberate technique to maintain stability. When approaching a turn, slow your pace and execute the maneuver in a wide arc rather than attempting a sharp pivot. This wider turn allows the wheels to follow smoothly and prevents the frame from becoming unstable. For small obstacles like door thresholds or low ramps, use smooth, controlled pushes and steps, avoiding sudden movements that could cause the rollator to stop abruptly.