If your loved one is on the heavy side, and you’ve been looking for that works for them, the Medline Bariatric Mobility Rollator may be a good option (providing it’s cleared with your doctor and physical therapist). This rollator can support people weighing up to 500 pounds. As with most rollators, it has a seat to accommodate a person of size and has braking on either handle.
This particular assistive device has a very sturdy frame using a higher gauge steel than it’s smaller brother. It’s built to last and because of the larger diameter and wider wheels, can be used on a variety of different surfaces. The larger the wheels the easier it is to maneuver providing a smoother ride even on slightly more rough terrain.
The padded seat will be appreciated by the user and it has a backrest for added support sit when the user needs to sit and rest. I usually tell people to place the front wheels against a stationary object, then lock the back wheels. This makes sure that they walker won’t “go anywhere” before, during, and after the user needs to sit.
Another feature with this particular walker is the adjustable handles. They adjust between 31.5″ – 37.5″. You can determine if this is the proper height for your loved one if you measure from the floor to their wrist while they are standing as straight as possible. If the length you measure is between higher than 31-1/2 inches and below 37-1/2 inches, then this particular walker will fit them. The handles are set to the optimal height when you see that they are able to straighten their elbows while standing as tall as possible. But, to be honest, I’ve seen a lot of people using this type of walker and resting their elbows on the handles to reduce the feeling of strain on their backs and shoulders while walking.
You’re able to fold this walker up when you’re done using it or when you need to stow it for transportation. The folding mechanism is easy to use. Just open the seat and pull up on the cross bar under the cubby and it will fold together. You don’t need any tools and it’s done pretty easily.
Each of my patients that have used this particular brand have given it positive reviews. They use it in the home as well as outside and generally don’t have any issues with it at all. The common complaint, however, is it’s weight. But it has to be because it needs to be heavy duty and durable so that it doesn’t collapse or break while in use. But in spite of this, it remains a good choice for someone who is overweight and needs to be confident in what they’re using to walk around with.
One thing to keep in mind though is that if there is any restrictions in weight bearing, or if there is significant leg or foot pain, this may not be a good choice. The reason for that is that rollators are not designed to provide a lot of stable support through the arms. The handles may bend or the rollator itself may roll out from under the user and cause them to fall. If a person needs more support due to weak or painful legs, then a front wheeled bariatric walker would be more appropriate.
To finish up, if you’ve been or you are looking for a walker or rollator that can give good support to someone who weighs a little more, the Medline Bariatric Mobility Rollator is definitely worth considering. The sturdy frame, the padded seat and the backrest, as well as the adjustable handles make it comfortable and an easy-to-use option. And remember, it’s also easy to fold and stow when you need to go to a medical appointment, shopping, or maybe even a vacation.
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Bryan Williams
Physical Therapist
is a licensed therapist with near 30 years of professional experience treating a diverse patient population in a multitude of settings. With simple strategies, he educates and empowers his clients with simple strategies to help them move better and with less pain.