Assuming your mom's definitely OK for a four-wheel walker, there is one that is much superior to the others. Mom (97 with one hip replacement and a pin in the other) has had this one for about two years. Several therapists who have seen it have asked for information/source for it because they've seen its so much better than what most of their patients have. Yes, it's more expensive. However in terms of useability, durability, and convenience it's worth it. If this is going to be part of your mom's life from now on (that's how it is for us) you should have a good one. Did a lot of research and sampling. This is the best we found.

Here is a link that might be useful: Best rolling walker IMHO

Asolo, I wish I had seen that walker years ago. I think rolling walkers should serve two customers -- the people who actually use them for walking and also the people who have to fold them up and get them in & out of automobiles. From the description, it sounds like your suggestion fits the bill. I'm going to save that info for the next time my mom needs a new walker.

Erica, although I think Asolo's suggested walker is great, you might find a trip to a nearby medical equipment store informative. Look in the Yellow Pages to find a couple. Then you can go see some samples of what's available and give them a test ride. And you could practice folding them up. Maybe even measure some and get their weights to help you understand what you'll be dealing with. You could ask all kinds of questions too and get a lot more information. You'd get a better sense of the kind of products available and what would and would not work in your particular situation. You might even find the walker Asolo referred to. Call around to see if a local store carries it.

My mom has had three such walkers. The first one we bought did not have hand brakes because my mom was afraid she would never learn how to use them. It braked when she sat down in it. The benefit was that it never rolled out from under her as she was attempting to sit down. That sometimes can be a problem for some people. The disadvantage was that once she sat down, the walker wouldn't move, so I couldn't wheel her at all nor could she scoot herself with her feet.

The second walker she had was similar to the rollator you referred to. She somehow managed to figure out how to use the brakes. The advantage to me was that she could sit down and I could roll her a short distance. I usually did that when we couldn't find a handicapped parking space near the entrance to one of her doctors. I'd roll her from the parked car to the entrance and then she'd use her walker on her own to get to the actual office. That walker eventually developed a weird squeak that wouldn't go away no matter how many times the wheels, bearings, etc. were adjusted. I didn't think it was a big deal, but it really embarrassed my mom, so I got her another rollator about a year ago.

The ability to easily fold up a walker is important to the one who does most of the transporting. That's why it might be a good idea to see some of these walkers in person and try them out. If you go to a really helpful store, you should be able to test run folding the walker up and getting it into your trunk.

You also need to consider how much it weighs. Combine the walker's awkward shape with too much weight and you're looking at back problems for yourself.

For what it's worth, I've also got a transport chair for my mom. These chairs do not have the gigantic front wheels of a traditional wheelchair so they're much lighter in weight. The user cannot propel herself by rotating the front wheels with her hands. It's either someone else pushing the chair or the user just scooting herself along with her feet. I only use the transport chair after a visit to the ER or when I know we're going somewhere that would require extensive walking (like a festival). But the thing to note, is that because of its weight and awkward shape, it's even harder for me to deal with. The lifting up and into the trunk and then up and out of the trunk plus pushing my mom around does me in for several days. I much prefer the rolling walker because it's lighter.

By the way, I'd take that advice about working with a PT with a grain of salt. Who's to say a PT has all the information on the latest brands and models of walkers out there? The biggest danger is someone not using them correctly. Like forgetting to set the brakes before trying to sit down. Or just using one hand to hang onto them. Or moving way too fast. Good luck with your search.

"I think rolling walkers should serve two customers -- the people who actually use them for walking and also the people who have to fold them up and get them in & out of automobiles."

Well said!

If this device is going to be part of your everyday life going forward, it is an important decision. I've had lots of experience with poorly conceived and poorly built versions. You don't want one.

Thanks for all the info. I've added that walker to my Amazon wish list!

For the time being, I went ahead and ordered a transport chair that got really good reviews. As you say, asolo, this sort of thing is going to be part of my mom's life from here on, and I'm sure we'll put it to use even if we get a rolling walker, too. I like the idea that the chair is small enough, folded, to keep in my car at all times and still have room for grocery shopping, etc.

I think I'll take info on the Dana Douglas one to her doctor, to see if she thinks my mom could handle that type ok. At least having the transport chair will help the immediate problem, and buy me some time looking into the walker.

Thanks again!

Here is a link that might be useful: Transport chair

Hi,This is my first post to this forum. I have been lurking for awhile. I am an only child & caregiver for my parents. Mom's doctor gave me a prescription for a walker. I carried the prescription to the medical supply store & the walker was covered by Medicare. The folks at medical supply were very helpful in choosing the right walker for Mom.

The walkers covered by Medicare are the lightweight two-wheeled 'zimmers' which are great for around the house. But the more expensive ones with a seat and four wheels, which are much preferred for distances and any but the most smooth of indoor surfaces.

Welcome, Shadyrestbaskets. You are among friends here!