A Comprehensive Guide to Walkers, Rollators, and Assistive Devices

Navigating the world of mobility aids can feel overwhelming, yet it can also be incredibly gratifying. When used appropriately, mobility aids like canes or walkers can provide significant independence, allowing you to continue living your life despite balance issues, pain, or temporary recovery periods. Use your mobility aid with pride, and let it empower you as you discover newfound independence, navigating the world with greater ease, safety, and confidence.

Here is your guide to the most common walkers and canes available, along with their specific benefits.

Walker: There are many different types of walkers, here are the most common:
- Standard Walker: A standard walker is a walker without wheels, providing the most stability and offering maximum support for those who need it when walking. The downside of not having wheels is that you cannot push the walker to move forward; you need to manually lift it and then place it back down to walk.
- Two-Wheel Walker: This walker has wheels on the two front legs, offering slightly less support and stability than a standard walker. However, it’s easier to push and is better suited for those who don't need the extra support. Instead of lifting it, you can simply slide it along. One drawback is that using this walker outside may cause pebbles to lodge in or scratches to form on the two back legs without wheels. These scratches can then damage your indoor floors. Some people find that using sleds or tennis balls on the back legs helps to solve this problem and makes the walker slightly easier to push.
- Four-Wheel Walker: This walker has wheels on all four legs, offering slightly less stability than a two-wheel walker. However, it is easier to push and more convenient to use outdoors.
Rollator: Rollators are similar to walkers but differ in a few key ways. They are easier to use outdoors and on uneven surfaces compared to walkers. Rollators come with brakes, a built-in seat, and storage under the seat. While they are typically more user-friendly, they offer less stability than a walker. Here are a few different types of rollators:
- Standard Rollator: This type of rollator has four wheels, ergonomic handles with hand brakes, a built-in seat, and a storage basket or pouch. It is suitable for most users who need moderate support and the ability to rest frequently, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Three-Wheeled Rollator: Lighter and more maneuverable than a four-wheel rollator, this type often includes a storage pouch or basket. It typically won't have a seat or may have a smaller seat. Compared to a standard rollator, it offers the benefits of lighter weight and easier maneuverability, though it is slightly less stable.
- Upright Rollator: The taller design is to allow the user to walk upright, with the goal of reducing slouching and promoting better posture. This type often includes armrests. However, it is usually heavier and may be more cumbersome.
- All-Terrain Rollator: Large, rugged wheels designed for outdoor use on uneven terrain, with a sturdy frame that often includes a seat and storage. This rollator is perfect for active users who enjoy outdoor activities and need a device that can handle rough surfaces. The downside is its heavier weight.
Canes: Canes provide less support compared to rollators or walkers, but they are easier to travel with due to their lighter weight.
- Straight Cane: Typically the lightest weight mobility aide option providing the least amount of support. This is perfect for those folks who have minor balance issues or gait disturbances.
- Quad Cane: Provides slightly more support than your straight cane but is more cumbersome.
Unique and "Special Occasion" Walkers
- Beach Rollator or Walker: Similar in design to your standard rollator or walker but with large, wide wheels that allow you to navigate the sand and other similar uneven-type terrain with greater ease.
- Hemi-Walker: Designed for those with limited or no use of one hand or arm. It features a four-legged frame, similar to that of a standard walker, making it ideal for providing support. This is commonly used by people who have suffered a stroke or those with other conditions affecting one half of their body.
- Stair Walker: Designed to help folks navigate stairs safely and independently, while providing the maximum amount of support. It features a unique frame that allows for easy adjustment to different stair heights and different directions.
Common and Useful Attachments:
- Platform Attachment: This is an add-on device that provides additional support for those who have limited ability to bear weight through their hands or wrists, but would still benefit from using a walker. It is most commonly used for those individuals with conditions such as fractures, advanced arthritis, or post-surgical recovery.
- Tray: As you might have guessed, this attachment enables a person using a walker to safely transport plates, cups, and other items while keeping both hands securely on the walker for stability.
- Umbrella Holder: Now you can walk outside in the rain without having to navigate the walker AND an umbrella.
- Basket: Allows for additional storage.
- Side Pouch: Unlike the basket attachment, this pouch is sleeker and provides additional storage without adding bulk to the walker.

How tall should your assistive device be? The standard recommendation for walkers, rollators, and canes, is to allow the handle(s) to be the height of your wrist when your arms are resting by your sides.