Sometime-alternative to Crutches

 

 

For some crutch needs, this rollator device can be a wonderful alternative.  I know four people including me who have found that foot or ankle or some lower leg injuries can be dealt with better with this device than with standard crutches. 

 

If the problem is well far up the leg or if the knee on the injured leg cannot be bent, the device may not be applicable.  Also, the surfaces over which the injured person wants to move need to be level and relatively smooth and free of obstacles.  We bought a pad made for a chair seat and tied it to the seat.  Then the knee of the injured leg can be put on the shelf and you can scoot with the good leg.  In that position, a person can sometimes travel across a room faster than most people can run across it with two good legs. 

 

Keeping the weight off the injury helps it heal while using the hips and thigh is closer to what the body is built for than trying to get the shoulders, arms and hands to take over such heavyweight functions.

 

The rollator has brakes much like a bike: squeeze to apply, to stop the wheels.  The added feature is that pressing down on the levers just below the hand grips locks the wheels without needing further attention or hand pressure.  Pulling the locked levers up returns the wheels to free movement.

 

The device will fold for easier carrying and storage in a car trunk or back seat.  The basket is important, too, since both hands are needed for guiding movement and small objects can be carried along.   There are several models on sale from Amazon.com.  The link above goes to the least expensive one I saw on their rollator page.  Our local center for aging loans a rollator and wheelchairs for short periods for free.  You can probably get one of your own for less than $70.  Don’t forget about the possibility of this device when you or someone you care for needs crutches.