Reddit mentions: The best walkers, rollators & accessories

I have trouble standing and walking, but am fine when sitting, so most of my advice is from that viewpoint.

Swiffers for everything! Mop/sweeper, duster, dusting cloths, etc. They're really efficient and disposable so I don't have to deal with things like mop buckets, dirty mop heads, cleaning feather dusters, anything like that.

One of those extendable pincher things to help pick stuff up off the floor.

An extendable scrubber for the bathroom. The shape makes it really easy to get into corners.

A clothes folder makes it really easy to fold your clothes, and I can use this on my lap while sitting down in bed.

A walker with a seat makes it really easy to get around to do things and has a seat for when I need to sit down. The basket that most come with helps to carry supplies from one room to the next.

Stick vaccums are super lightweight and easy to maneuver even from a couch or bed.

A scrubbing attachment that goes on a power drill is so helpful when you don't have the strength or stamina to scrub by hand.

I swear by all of the Kaboom products. All of them are no-effort cleaning supplies. They have toilet cleaner, mold and mildew cleaner, and, of course, the famous shower foam.

An automatic vacuum like a roomba is great for most people, but I've never had one so I can't comment myself.

Soak your dishes. There are special products that help get dried on food off your dishes, but I've found that just soaking them in hot water for 20-30 minutes before trying to wash them gets most stuck on food off. For really tough, baked on gunk, add a dryer sheet to the water. Sounds weird, but it helps soften up the crusty blackened burnt on food and it comes off easily.

For food that's stuck on the inside of the microwave, take a cup of water, add some lemon juice, and microwave it on full power for 6 minutes. The food will wipe right off.

I might think of more things later. If I do I'll come back and edit this post.

How expensive is too expensive? How much difficulty do you have? A rollator looks like it runs about half a proper wheel chair (at least on the low end). It's not perfect, but it would probably help a lot more than the scooter board. My dad uses one when his health takes a downtick and he can barely walk - but he can walk so I'm not sure how much help it would be in your case.

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Rollator-Rolling-Supports-Burgundy/dp/B079PG3BR3/

I'm honestly not sure if you'd be able to even make something as cheap and effective as something like that. Even a decent rolling computer chair is going to cost more than that, with a greater risk of tipping and being less generally useful.

There's probably also charity groups that would help you purchase a wheelchair or even give you one outright. I would start by trying to find a local fibromyalgia charity or support group or a "ramp build" charity group (most cities will probably have them, they come and build ramps for free so people with limited mobility can more easily get in and out of their homes since a lot of private homes aren't exactly ADA compliant) and calling them, they'd probably have a good list of resources for you to hit up.

I'm 55 years old and I started the beginner routine on /r/bodyweightfitness 15 months ago and I've had slow but noticeable results. I've been biking and running for the last 12 years so I'm in good shape aerobically, but I had no upper body strength.

I started with the beginner routine on BWF, but I went with the easiest possible options - like inclined push-ups on steps, and vertical rows where I was pretty close to standing upright.

For the inclined push-ups I started with my feet on the floor and my hands on the 5th stair step. I slowly worked up to 12 reps per set, and when I could do 3 sets of 12 reps I moved my hands down to the 4th step and did 8 reps per set, gradually increasing my reps to 12. I kept repeating that and now I'm up to 10 reps of regular floor push-ups.

I hung a bar in the basement for pull-ups but I've had less success with those. At the start I could do only 1 rep per set, and after two months I couldn't do more than 3 reps per set so I decided to try Grease the Groove, doing a lot of sets of 3 reps throughout the day. After a couple of weeks of GtG I developed a case of golfer's elbow tendonitis. It took 3 months of rest, therapy and self-massage to recover.

After I recovered I bought a Perfect Pullup Assist and adjusted the height so that I could do 8 pull-ups in a set. When I can do 12 pull-ups in a set I'm going to adjust the height to make it harder, lower my reps, work up to 12 reps and keep repeating the process until I can do 10 unassisted pull-ups and chin-ups in a set.

When I started BWF I was unaware that tendons and ligaments don't grow/adapt/strengthen as fast as muscle, especially at my age. I've found that doing exercises that allow me to do 8-16 reps per set before failure help me avoid tendon problems. I don't know if it's just me, or if it's because of my age, but my tendons seem to be my rate-determining factor.

/u/Antranik wrote a very helpful post on How to Implement a Steady State Training Cycle, it's got great info about exercise and stress on connective tissue.

The only equipment I bought was a pull-up bar, a bar for rows, a used walker for dips from Goodwill for $10 and the Perfect Pullup Assist.

I've got mixed feelings about the last 12 months. I'm frustrated by my slow progress, I wish I was farther along. On the other hand, my upper body is in better shape than it's ever been, and I know that this is a life long journey. After getting tendonitis doing the one exercise I pushed hard, I realize it's better to go slow, focus on the long term, and avoid injury and the resulting time off. I'm trying to see my progress in yearly improvements rather than in weekly or monthly gains.

If I can do this your dad can!

Ok, so this is $50 above your price range, but TOTALLY worth it. I bought it for DragonCon last year and it was a godsend. It's a combination walker and transport chair. I used it as a walker and a seat every day, and stored extra water and food in the carrybag underneath the seat. Super useful. And, of course, the first day I overreached, but instead of having to go to the hospital, the medic and I turned the walker into the transport chair, and a hotel employee simply pushed me back to my hotel room, where I recovered in peace. (I tipped her well, of course.)

Tomorrow, thanks to new meds and my walker, Barney, I'll be going on my first solo vacation ever! I'm very excited.

Just as an FYI for you or those reading, we do not allow any fundraising in the sub or requests for donations here. If you are looking for actual resources I recommend you and your Mom check out /r/personalfinance about financial information and options. You can also look at /r/charity and /r/randomactsofamazon for help. You also may not need a wheel chair per se, you may work out well with rolling walker with a seat [like this](https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N5DQEUL/?coliid=I10U9OHCWZNHEM&colid=1OX6FEFNF9L3K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it). Your Mom may want to reach out to a local abuse agency to help with resources and planning. She may want to consider reaching out to social services for help and to file for social safety net programs like medicaid if needed, food stamps, etc. And to figure out her health insurance and whats covered for you with things like durable medical equipment like the wheelchair or rolling cart. I know this is a lot. Its a lot going on. I dont know if you are dont high school or not. You may want to look for ideas on jobs in places like [this](https://www.wearecapable.org/). Maybe a medical transcription, etc. See if that helps. We wish you both luck.

It beats the shit out of crutches but it's not perfect. Part of this could be because I got a well made, but cheaper model. The wheels are pretty narrow so you have to be careful with bumps, and the turning radius is lacking. The knee pad is pretty cozy though. I can't bitch too much because like I said it beats crutches and this is the model advertised for $120ish dollars at Walmart.com and Amazon but I found a gently used one on letgo for $70 and the fella even brought it to me. It definitely makes trips to the kitchen and bathroom faster and more bearable.

If you use Amazon Prime and don't mind paying full price they can have it on your doorstep tomorrow.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I471EI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TdTYDbN01HS0D

Hi, im not too sure about what DAS will tell you but wanted to offer an alternative to a wheelchair.

My grandma has severe knee problems and can walk but also can’t do it for longer than 20-30 mins. Disney World is VERY large and I would strongly recommend getting something to help you, as even people with no issues walking will end up getting awfully swolen feet, blisters, etc.

My grandma used a mobility walker to get around each park. It made it alot easier for her to keep up with the group, she was able to stay at the parks all day, etc. She was able to walk and rest and get pushed around when needed. I would strongly recommend it. It was also allowed on the plane.

Best of luck!

mobility walker

In general I think that people aren't paying attention when walking around, so it's always a bit frustrating for me. The good news is that most people will get out of the way anddddd let you get closer since you have to be sitting down and generally can navigate if you're willing to speak up. I tend to be the person yelling excuse meeeeee at the airport so 🤷‍♀️ Another thing to remember is that you can stand up if you are in a crowd and just can't handle it, or you can't see something - I get a bit self conscious that people around me would be weird about me standing but with my cane and going slow, they generally left me alone when I switched between the two. In crowds, it's also important to have good communication with your pusher (if you need one) on how you want to enter spaces/doorways and where you wanna go (eg entering doors without an auto button backwards is easier imo). It kinda sucks having them behind you bc chatting random observations has to be much louder, but it's alllllll definitely worth cutting down on the pain. Basically, the less standing and waiting that I did and the less time spent on my feet, the better I felt. I also bought a few accessories to hang on the back of the chair and under the chair so that saved me a ton of shoulder/neck/arm pain. Sorry, I'm sure my writing isn't the most linear train of thought tonight but I hope that clarifies things.

Edit: here's are a few accessories I mentioned: under seat bag , cup holder (more set up for this one) , and a good back of the chair bag but I can't find mine online rn

I know this is a bit late to the party, but have you looked at rollators? They even have a version that is both a transport wheelchair and rollator, in case someone needs to push you for a while. Not a perfect solution if a wheelchair would be better (my OT won't reccomend a wheelchair for me yet because he doesn't want my muscles to atrophy -like your mom, but I still use them when at large stores that offer them as a courtesy.)

I'm in the US, but wouldn't the NHS allow a consult with an Occupational Therapist that could help determine what mobility aid would be helpful. In the states Medicaid wouldn't pay for the consult even when my doctor requested it, but they were prepared to pay for the recommended device (until we found out that it was one they didn't ever cover.) There are regulations and it has to be needed for getting around at home, but at least I know there are options when it comes to that point.

For me
Prescriptions:
•Toradol (Ketorolac) - a strong anti inflammatory drug, given in injection or pill form.

•Medro (MethylPREDNISolone dose pack) - a steroid to help reduce inflammation.

•Indocin (Indomethacin) - anti inflammatory drug.

• Neurotin (Gabapentin) - a nerve pain drug

•Valium (diazepam) vaginal suppositories -works as a muscle relaxer directly into the pelvic floor to ease spasm. Can also be made with Baclofen and other drug compounded.

Over-the-Counter:
•Doan’s (magnesium salicylate tetrahydrate) - a pain reliever that isn’t acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

•Hot Hand’s adhesive body warmer -cheaper and heat lasts longer than Thermacare Heatwraps

•Bengay cream - active ingredients are: Methol, Camphor and Methyl Salycilate.

In addition, Pelvic floor physical therapy, very gentle yoga, hot tubs and water walking. I also have a Rollator I use to help on bad days (I also have hip chronic hip pain). I hope this list is helpful. Hugs

I have this one: I'm 5'9 and it has LOTS of room to adjust the handles upwards for taller people. Comfy seat. Not a lot of storage room comes built in so I'm going to have to get something additional, but it's pretty sweet. Also lightweight for its sturdiness, and I can fold and put in the trunk of my husband's car without stressing myself out. Mine now has flames and iridescent cat sticxkers on it :)
https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Nitro-Rollator-Walker/dp/B009SOC9PI?th=1

Hate to tell you this, but you are in for a long haul. Bones normally flex but metal does not. So as you exercise, the bone will pull on those lovely titanium screws. You'll also need to do a lot of physical therapy after the cast comes off. And the next thing you may find is that if you put enough torque on your leg to break your bone, you may have also damaged your knee. But that won't start to hurt until after the cast is off, Phys Therapy is well underway, and you using your knee again. You may find that you get enough discomfort from all that hardware that you'll want to get it taken out in about a year...a minor surgery - they make a small incision where the scar was, and use a sterile phillips screwdriver to back out the screws, pop off the steel plate, and sew you up. Takes 15 min. I've been going through all this for the last 15 months. Enjoy the adventure, and toughen up bucky, don't take too many of those pills.
EDIT: Oh yes, since they will probably put you in a non-weight bearing cast, you might look into getting one of these. Much better than crutches!

My company produces accessories for medical devices, including feet for walkers that replace the tennis balls commonly used. Our feet our functional and fun- these ones are shaped like puppy feet! We sell a range of other products that will be listed on Amazon soon as well.

New to this community so I hope I’m posting right!

I skip all crutches and go for these wheelie cart thingies:

https://smile.amazon.com/Medline-Foldable-Rollator-Mobility-Burgundy/dp/B00I6GQDQK/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1535789233&sr=8-2&keywords=handicap+cart+with+wheels

I just put my residual limb on top of the seat and I can motor around super fast. It is kinda fun too. You can also store things under the seat.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HOM4U2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aHilDbJJ2RMYC

Or you can get one second hand for super cheap.

That's really good he isn't in pain. It was hard to keep mine off his foot as well. Hopefully they will put him in a boot instead of a cast. That was a lifesaver for us, He could take it off to bathe and I could wash the insert to keep it from stinking too bad.

You might look into a rolling knee walker It might help him stay off it. If you have a medical supply store near you, some of them will take your insurance. Our ortho Dr offered us a script for one.

https://www.amazon.com/Volaris-All-Terrain-Rollator-Lightweight-Aluminum/dp/B01AQVVPYC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1525401377&sr=8-1&keywords=Volaris+All+Terrain+PATROL+Rollator+Walker&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=ppllivingtall-20&linkId=76e53012b5af7912681de896378c098d

Best i could find... 42” handle height. That might just work for what you need? Out of curiosity is it for you or someone else?

Found them, if anyone is interested :)

Incredible technology. Nice link!

What is the thing at the far left of the picture? An advanced autonomous rollator?

https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Rollator-Removable-Support/dp/B005S1CHKC

Oh god, me too. While I'm at it I might as well add this and this.

They have cheap walkers for old folks you can get at walmart, or a lot of pharmacies; they work pretty well for dips. Something like this: amazon - walker but without the wheels

$10 at CVS https://www.cvs.com/shop/cvs-health-walker-tennis-balls-2ct-prodid-792520


$10 at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Walker-Tennis/dp/B002VWJYPM


$6 at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Glides-Precut-Walker-Tennis-Ball/dp/B00CJ1O18K


$7 at JustWalkers https://justwalkers.com/walkerballs-gray-1-pair.html


$8 at ExMed https://www.exmed.net/p-3657-duro-med-tennis-walker-balls.aspx


Hmmmm????

Carry your seat with you, links below.

• Camp chair
  
• Lightweight camp chair
  
  If it is a groomed trail then you may be able to take a rollator with you. It helps with both walking and sitting. You can even get taller ones that let you walk fully upright.

Remember when you were a little kid and TV shows from the 50's seemed really old-timey to you? You were born 33 years after 1950.

Little kids today are exactly as removed from the 80's as you were from the 50's. Your birth decade is old timey and ancient to them.

Oh, and PS. Most incoming college freshman report that they don't have first hand memory of 9/11. They were 3.

I recommend this model so that you don't have to put the tennis balls on the front.

You can get one for not too much on Amazon.

http://smile.amazon.com/Deluxe-Button-Folding-Walker-Wheels/dp/B001HOM4U2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451996876&sr=8-3&keywords=walker

You can find these at many medical supply shops under several brands. It's a hybrid Walker/Sorta Wheelchair.