Rollator Running Freely

parkgate

My brother in law has had a stroke and has also recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

He has problems with balance and his left leg can often drag or become unresponsive.

We have bought a rollator for him - but it it rolls very freely and can run away with him and he falls.

We we’re wondering whether there is a device that could be fitted to the wheels to cause drag so they don’t run so freely giving him more control.

Thank You.

Kind Regards,

Ami2301

Hi @parkgate and welcome to the community! From my own experience, having weights attached to my walking frame helped me to stop it from rolling. Is he seen by a physiotherapist at all? They would be best to advise you

parkgate

Dear Ami2301,

Yes weights are are a good idea we have even thought of putting a sponge under the hub to cause drag but I thought there may be a propriety device in existence - I wouldn’t have thought my brother in law is the only one in this situation.

How did you attach the weights?

I will ask him to speak to a physiotherapist although I don’t think he is having physiotherapy at the moment - a helpful suggestion.

Regards,

Parkgate

Misscleo

I had the same problem gave up on it cos it kept running away and I live on a steep hill.
There should be a device to hold the thing back.
Look forward to the answers 

chiarieds

Hi @parkgate - I'm wondering if there's any chance you could return the rollator you've bought as you can get some with brakes . This one has dual action brakes so it can be slowed down, or stopped completely, but as he's had a stroke, might not work for him. Here its £89.99(with VAT relief) & free P & P. See: https://www.feneticwellbeing.com/x-cruise-folding-lightweight-compact-rollator. Also on ebay for £84.99. Worth looking around.
Certainly ask for physio advice if you can. See if they've got any he could 'test drive.'

pollyanna1052

parkgate

The Rollator has brakes but he cannot react in time when it starts go.

Looking in the Internet I notice some companies sell a locking bracket which I assume would prevent the wheels from swivelling off into the direction he doesn’t want to go which is part of the problem.

chiarieds

A quick fix we used to do with inpatients was to use sandbags as weights (as Ami suggested), but this was using very basic rollators & walking was just on a flat surface, not any inclines. Sorry I haven't come across the locking bracket you mention.

Ami2301

Hi @parkgate my physiotherapist attached ankle weights around the lower bars of my walking frame. They were fastened by velcro and they did make a huge difference.

parkgate

Yes good idea - never thought of that.

Thank You.

parkgate

Dear Ami2301,

I forgot to ask - what size ankle weights did you use?

Thank You.

Kind Regards,

Ami2301

I'm seeing my physiotherapist this friday so I will ask him, I've forgotten as this was a year ago! He has a better memory than me

parkgate

Dear Ami2301,

That would be helpful - I think it would make a big difference to his life if he could use the Rollator.

Thank You,

Kind Regards,

Ami2301

No problem @parkgate if I find out sooner then I will let you know ASAP Mobility aids are absolute gamechangers!

Chloe_Alumni

Welcome to the community @parkgate! I'm so glad other members have been able to offer advice here. I hope the idea of weights work and it would be a good idea to ask a physio about this.

Please do let us know how you get on.

Ami2301

Just a quick update @parkgate I've just found out that my physio is away at the moment, but as soon as hes back I will find out and let you know

parkgate

Dear Ami2301,

Thank You for your efforts.

Kind Regards,

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @parkgate, how are you getting on?

parkgate

Fine thank you - but we are still no further with the problem with free running Rollator.

Chloe_Alumni

Sorry you are no further @parkgate. Have you spoken to his physio or occupational therapist?

Ami2301

Hi @parkgate I apologise for the delay, my physiotherapist told me I used ankle weights which were between 5kg-6kg, I hope this helps!