Question about walkers/rollators and other mobility aids

[chester]

Hello -- I'm new to this forum. My father was recently diagnosed with PD. He has been walking with a cane for 2 years but my mother and I think (and he grudgingly agrees) it might be better/safer/etc for him to use a wheeled walker with a built-in seat. We have been looking at several models but I was wondering whether anyone on this forum might have some suggestions. I've seen some models (U-step, for example) that claim to be designed specifically for people with Parkinson's. I don't know what special features might be useful for my father -- I think he just needs more stability, a place to sit when he's tired, a basket to carry things, etc. I worry that a wheeled walker might be dangerous because if he stumbles the walker might continue to move forward, causing him to fall rathe than support him. The U-step seems to have a feature to prevent such an incident (ie you have to gently squeeze the brake in order to move forward. if you release it -- as you'd probably do if you stumbled -- the walker stops). I'd be grateful for any suggestions anyone might be able to offer. Thank you!

[GregD]

chester,
I don't have a lot of information on walkers but I've tried a few. The U-step is a great walker as long as the person is on a smooth flat surface. If the person wants to walk in the grass or a gravel driveway though it is difficult to use because of the small wheels. The U-step does have a hand brake system that is squeezed when walking and released when stopping. It also comes with a laser that can shine a line across the floor that helps with freezing. Personally, I liked one that Wal-Mart sells for $149. It has big wheels and seems to work great in all surface conditions. There is a seat and basket and It wouldn't take much to put a laser set up on it. It also has a hand brake system on it. It's also 4 times lighter than the U-Step.

GregD

[chester]

Greg -- Thanks for your suggestion! I'm looking on the Walmart site and don't see one for $149. There are a few for more and a few for less. Do you know the name of the one you've tried? Thanks!

[GregD]

Chester,
No, I don't remember the name. I'll be at Wal-Mart today. I'll stop and see if I can find it.

GregD

[GregD]

Chester,
The walker I was looking at was the Hugo Rolling Walker Elite $129.84.

GregD