As the elderly continue to age, or, have had a decline in function due to illness , injury, or surgery, they may need a little extra support to get around with. Typically, this means using a walker or a rollator. But, what’s the difference between a rollator and a walker, you ask?
Like with most things involving healthcare, it may be kind of confusing which one is right for your loved one. A walker or a rollator? What’s the difference? This blog post will provide a brief over view of the difference between the two and a couple of considerations to keep in mind when trying to choose.
One of the first differences that people notice right off the bat when they are looking at the walker and rollator side by side is that the walker has zero or possibly 2 wheels on the front side, versus the rollator that generally will have 4 wheels. Also the walker looks a little more “light weight” than the rollator.
Another difference is that is pretty obvious is that the walker is generally bare-bones while the rollator seems to have more “bells and whistles” in the form of a seat, a basket or “cubby” and hand brakes. This is because the 2 items are built for different patients and different uses.
I usually tell people, “a walker is made for support, but a rollator is built for speed”. What I mean by that is that a standard folding walker is going to be more sturdy when walking with it than it’s 4 wheel counter part. This means that it would probably be a better fit for persons that have real difficulty walking. Whether there is a lot of pain when walking or there is significant weakness or balance issues, this person would probably do better with a folding type walker.
On the other hand, the rollator is better used by those persons that may need some support while they are out walking because of energy levels, breathing issues, or slight balance impairment. The 4 wheel rollator is not meant to “bear down” on with your arms like some may do because they have a sore leg or foot. it’s meant to carry your body weight when you are sitting on it, not while you’re walking with it.
Another difference between these two pieces of equipment is that in some cases a walker is better used inside the home and a rollator is better used outside the home. This is because, the walker is more light weight and is easier to maneuver in small places like a bathroom or kitchen in the home. While the 4 wheels on a rollator gives you a better “ride” on the rough and uneven surfaces of sidewalks and asphalt.
A rollator is also a good choice for support when a person is out shopping or running errands. This is because it has a seat if you get tired and a “cubby” to hold items you need to take a purse or something similar you need but can’t safely carry and use the device at the same time. Fairly active people who may deal with COPD or CHF, obesity, or slightly impaired balance are typical rollator users
So who are those folks that typically will use a walker? Generally, any one who has real difficulty with home or short distance mobility. This can include the very arthritic, deconditioned/weak, or debilitated. Typically the best walker for a knee replacement is the 2 wheel folding walker (and its the best walker for a hip replacement also) because it gives you the most support allowing the user to take pressure off the painful leg and shifting to their arms.
These are the basic differences between walkers and rollators. Some people have both and they use one for inside the home and the other for outside the home. Since there are many different models of either and each persons needs are different, it may be a good idea to have a physical therapist evaluate your needs prior to making a final decision.
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.