Which rollators are avaliable on NHS?

keepswimming
keepswimming Online Community Member Posts: 5 Connected
edited July 2024 in Housing and independent living
Hi,

I'm new to this forum, I hoped someone could help me with a particular query! 

I would like a rollator, as it would help me to have a place to sit down when I'm out. I particularly want one that folds up small. I have seen some online that fold into rectangle, the handles/wheels fold together and then you can bend the legs/wheels up to make it smaller. 

Does anybody know if the NHS provide rollators that fold small, or if I would be better just purchasing my own?

Thank you. 

Comments

  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,070 Championing
    edited July 2022
    Hi @keepswimming welcome to the forum.
     I'm unsure if NHS will supply that, they didn't before and supplied the rollators to aid with walking, zimmer frames, I mean you could always ask, but I think you may have to buy one. Shop around because prices vary. Also I've seen people selling them on face book selling sites second hand. 
    They are useful if you need to sit for awhile.  Hope you manage to get one.

    Take a look around the site and join in with the topics of conversations, let us know if you manage to get sorted.
  • Cplife
    Cplife Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    Mine was supplied by the Occupational therapist my doctor asked them to come out and visit 😊 
  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Online Community Member Posts: 5 Connected
    Cplife said:
    Mine was supplied by the Occupational therapist my doctor asked them to come out and visit 😊 
    Oh really? Could I ask what it is like, does it fold down small? Thank you 😊
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    I had one supplied by physio but it doesn't fold down small 

    To get one on NHS you can refer yourself for a care needs assessment on the gov website and a ot will come out and do an assessment and provide any recommended aids 

    But don't know if you will get a folding one 
  • Cplife
    Cplife Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    It does fold so you can put it in a car but I wouldn’t say it fold’s up small 
    It has a seat on it. 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    There maybe a waiting list of at least a few months, possibly longer.
    If walking sticks from the NHS are anything to go by then it will be ugly and basic so don't expect too much.
    It maybe better to buy one yourself, you can buy them from about £70 but if you want one the folds up small it will likely cost you more. I would post links but advertising links are not allowed here. Use google to see what you can find, there's lots available.


  • Cplife
    Cplife Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    I tried to refer myself was told there was a 7 month waiting list so I went to see my doctor on the 12th may she referred me and the ot came came out on the 11th July 😊
  • Aardvark
    Aardvark Online Community Member Posts: 30 Contributor
    I would look to buy your own if you can.... often there are non branded versions of the more expensive ones.

    I think the one you describe is like mine and can be bought from £80 upto about £400ish.. even more budget friendly if you find one second hand or on a free site.

    The ones the OT brought for me to try where the heavy steel framed rollators.. i prefer lighter alluminium type and didnt fold as small.  I prefer the sling seat rather than rigid seat for comfort and the bag to not be under seat .. but we all have different needs so well worth going for a look in a shop.  Although i almost always buy online as more affordable. 
  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Online Community Member Posts: 5 Connected
    Thank you so much for your replies everyone! You've all been really helpful. Something has worked out really well in the meantime... I spoke to a friend of mine who uses a rollator, and she has a spare one she doesn't want and she's kindly given it to me! It doesn't fold up as small as I would like, but I can use it for the time being and then I will keep my eyes open to see if I can get what I'm looking for second hand at some point. It will also be great to try it out, I was worried about spending a lot and then it didn't suit me, so this way I will know if it's working for me and if its worth investing 😊
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    That's worked out nicely as you say @keepswimming I'm really pleased for you :)

    It's great that you'll get to try it out and get used to using one too. 

    I'm also glad to hear how supported you feel here on the community, keep us up to date with how things go, as I'm sure your thoughts would really benefit future members in a similar situation.

    Let us know if there's anything else we can help with in the meantime, and enjoy the rest of your weekend. I hope the rollator can be a real boost to your independence!

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