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My FIL who is living with us would like a rollater. He walks with a cane quite well, but at night sometimes he feels a bit unsteady to get up and use the bathroom. He had one before, but gave it away... I know that he will need it more down the road, so I would like to get him one that is decent, but not break the bank.
Any suggestions for brand? Features? He is 90 and does walk well and likes to go to stores and such, so I need it to fold and be able to put in a trunk of a car.
Physical therapist here. There is really very little difference between standard rollators. If you go to a medical supply store you will pay a premium. I'd look on Amazon instead and make sure that:
1) it has a pocket or basket
2) the weight is ok for you to lift
3) you can return it if you don't like it
4) read the 1-star reviews to find out what people complain about; there are too many fake 5-star reviews now for just about any product and I don't trust them anymore.
I think they're all made by the same manufacturer and sold by different brands, such as Drive Medical, Carex, Medline, etc. I would get one with only two wheels for indoor use so it doesn't roll away. We have two of these, one for each floor.
OP - If you need a rolling walker or standard walker, check out thrift shops. You should be able to find one for $5 or so (vs $30-$60 new). Just make sure it's solid and sanitize it before using.
I used to work in a rural area with folks with very little disposable income. I would scour thrift shops and buy up the walkers, and give them out later to my patients who could not afford one.
Just FYI even when they fold they’re still rather large. My moms won’t fit in my trunk (4 door sedan) unless I take everything else out. She used the rollator in the apartment and we took a 2-wheeled walked when we went out.
You can see some models in most Rite Aid stores and see how well you can handle it to take out. They do go on sale there at times. We bought my moms on Amazon. Hers is petite cause she’s under 5 feet. Take height and weight into consideration if he’s outside average range for either. If you sign up for CVS Extra Care and emails they will send you coupons for 40% off one item online or in store and they have rollators on the website. If you sign up for Care Pass you’ll also get a $10 bonus each month and you can combine it with the 40% coupon too.
Medicare may cover this as Durable Medical Equipment. Check his coverage.
Yes you’re right it will be covered if he hasn’t had another walking device paid for by Medicare in the last three years, and he gets a doctors prescription.
The one my mom had would fit in her 4-door mid-size sedan when folded; it went behind the front seat (this would work less well for someone tall with the seats all the way back; less "foot room" in the back for the walker to sit, and also if the hand grips are adjusted high). We could get it into my compacts as well, though it took more work, especially if not a sedan.
Might also look at quad cane and hemi walker since primary use is bathroom. Those will be easier to get in and out of the bathroom while providing greater stability. His current cane could be modified with the quad cane attachment for a few dollars.
I think the rollator is the best choice for use outdoors since it allows him a place to rest.
You can also check the senior centers, sometimes they have some to hand out to people who need them.
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. I know that he will need it more down the road, so I would like to get him one that is decent, but not break the bank.
