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Rollators are a mobility device, much like a walking frame, but they have the addition of wheels so the device can be easily moved without lifting it. They are often used to provide the user with support when walking independently. In some cases, users will need the extra support or balance due to mobility or an increase in fatigue when being active. Rollators come in different styles with a variety of features including a 3 or 4 wheel option.

When choosing a rollator to suit your needs, there are different factors you should take into account when making the decision. These can differ from why you need a rollator, to where you will be using it, or if you need a compact rollator that can be folded and stored easily. Other considerations can be safety features such as brakes or the type of grips, or if you need a folding seat on it.

When choosing a rollator, the purpose of the rollator is a very important consideration. A four wheel rollator will offer more support over long distance walks or if you need to take breaks during your trip, as most have a seat. Larger wheels can handle tougher terrain so if you’re looking tolarger wheel may be more suitable.

If your rollator is only going to be used in the home to move from one room to another, a small 3 wheel rollator could be the right choice. Three wheel rollators are generally smaller, can fold to a compact size and have a much tighter turning radius, which is ideal for indoors.

The size of the rollator will be one of the main factors when choosing one but the majority of them come with height adjustable legs so you need to find the right height for you. The height of your rollator should be the same height as the distance from the floor to your wrist while in a standing position. You should be able to hold the top of the rollator while your elbows are at a 15 degrees bend, this will be your position while holding the mobility device and walking.

You are going to be gripping the rollator at the handlebar or handles. These can have different grips and you should choose the grip that you feel more comfortable with. A rubber grip may be suitable for someone who struggles to keep a grasp of things. If your hands get sweaty or you’re worried about moisture a plastic grip may be a better option. Foam grips are more comfortable to hold for longer but the foam can easily be stained and can also hold moisture. When you are deciding on what grip you want, you should make sure the grip is secure and isn’t sliding when you grasp it.

If you are going to be transporting the rollator often, then choose a folding and portable rollator. Many folding rollators can be folded into a size small enough to fit in the boot of a car or to fit in storage areas on public transport which makes them suitable for people who plan on travelling with them. The foldable rollators are also easily stored in a closet at home.

Rollators can come with different brake features like Ergonomic loop brakes with internally routed brake cables for added safety or arthritic-friendly brakes which means the brakes are extra sensitive and easy to use. Other features the rollators may have can be an added seat so the user can sit down if they need to take a break from their walk. This can be an excellent addition if the user suffers from fatigue when walking or if their legs get weak on long walks. A shopping basket is also an option to add to your rollator if you need to carry messages down the town or home without using your hands.

Finding a rollator that fulfils your requirements can be tricky sometimes but hopefully, these tips can help you when making the right decision. If you would like help or more information when choosing a rollator, you can contact us on 0818 989 353 or email info@beechfieldhealthcare.ie and we would be happy to help you.

Comfort is key priority for wheelchair users and we are on your side when it comes to providing it. Choosing the correct chair is a very important decision and you need to ensure that the one you are picking is going to be the perfect fit for you and your needs. You will want a wheelchair that is going to provide you with the finest comfort and also pressure relief. When picking your wheelchair, there will be a certain amount of factors that will determine what type of chair you go with.

Independence is something we all depend on to get us through each day. We like to be able to carry out tasks ourselves ever since we were young and we would like to continue doing this into our elder years.  This can include everyday tasks such walking to the shop, meeting our friends for a cuppa or going to visit our families. We need to be able to get around on our own accord and to do that, we need mobility. Some people’s mobility levels can differ from others and sometimes, age can be a factor in this. However, regardless of your age, you still want to keep your independence by doing these things on our own.
 
If you feel like you can’t walk to the shop because it’s too far, or you get tired too easily and the same for visiting friends or family, maybe a mobility scooter can be the answer for you. They can help you get to the shops or to a friend’s home and even carry the shopping home with their detachable baskets. They are stylish in design and come in a range of colours making them attractive to users and people who pass you by.  There are certain features you should be looking for when choosing a Mobility Scooter, like the speed, weight capacity, budget and the purpose for the use.
 
Finding the right scooter for you, is quick and easy once you know what you are looking for.
-          A Boot Scooter is easily foldable making it compact and transportable so you can bring it with you in the boot of a car. They have a slim design and are ideal for people who travel in cars or on public transport. They can be used on a flat terrain, indoor or outdoor. 
-          A Small Scooter are ideal as a general runabout scooter, perfect for inside shopping centres or on short journeys. They can be used on roads or paths once the ground is in good condition and some of them can travel up to 10mph. 
-          A Medium Scooter is mainly used for outdoor use and can travel from 4mph to 8mph. They are able to cater for kerbs and hills with their added suspensions. They are ideal for local journeys with their robust frame making them more durable. 
-          A Large Scooter are perfect for long journeys outdoor with their enhanced suspensions and larger tyres. They have a higher weight capacity and are better equipped to handle tougher terrain or inclines.

The cold and frosty weather is here and with MET Eireann issuing various colours of weather warnings, and temperatures plummeting into the minus fields, it can be easy to trip or fall on the wet and icy surfaces.

Going for a walk can seem like a challenge if you have mobility issues and the fear of falling on slippy surfaces can cause further trepidation of leaving the house. If you are unfortunate to suffer a fall at some stage, the injury can be significant, and it can also be hard to get yourself motivated again. 

Here are some tips to help prevent you from a fall:

Many falls and slips happen as a result of decreased mobility and weaker muscles. Regular exercise inside the home can strengthen your muscles making them stronger to help avoid a slip. A simple program of exercise for just a few minutes each day can also make a significant improvement to your overall balance. These home exercises can be done on a foot pedal which is simple to use and very compact which allows you to easily store it when you're not using it.

Taking simple precautions such as walking in a well-lit area will make the dampened path more visible, whilst also making you more aware of any potential hazards or icy spots. You should try not to rush when the ground is visibly wet or frosty and take your time - If you take smaller, slower steps, it will increase your stability when walking. it away easily when you're not using it. 

Your footwear will also play a huge part in your ability to avoid a fall when out walking. Suitable shoes that are slip-resistant can assist you on the wet or icy ground by giving you extra grip which will decrease your chances of falling. Although the slip-resistant shoes will help with your grip on the wet ground, you should try to avoid walking on uneven surfaces or surfaces that have debris or obstacles that can block your way.

If you use a walking aid like a walking stick, cane, walking frame or rollator you should always check to see if it has rubber tips (also known as ferrules) on the end of them. The rubber tips will increase your grip on the ground which will assist with the stability when leaning on the walking stick or frame. If you are out walking because you are picking up some groceries, try not to overload your hands with shopping bags. Rather than carrying several shopping bags, you should invest in a portable shopping trolley, some are available with a built-in seat such as the Sit 'n' Shop trolley, and this allows you to take a rest should you get tired, which will further reduce the risk of a fall.

Alternatively, if you are using a Rollator, invest in one that has a built-in basket. Some rollators such as our Lightweight Aluminium Rollator come with a seat, which also feature a neat storage compartment under the seat and are ideal for shopping trips. 

During cold and icy spells, you should be especially mindful of your centre of balance. You will move your balance from different sides of your body if you are getting in and out of a vehicle or using stairs/ steps. If there are handrails available to you, you should always use them to increase your stability. Putting your pressure on the handrails, rather than your feet, can make it safer for you.

Getting your eyes checked regularly can also have a big impact on your walking. Having full vision allows you to see the path entirely and any obstacles, ice or puddles you may encounter on your journey.

If you take these tips into consideration when you are planning your walk during the frosty or rainy weather, you will hopefully be able to prevent a fall.