Discounted mobility rollators for the elderly

Isla28

My elderly parents are looking for some mobility rollators to use when taking short trips out of the house just to give some extra support whilst the weather is this risky at the moment!
Wondering if anyone has any advice on where to look for purchasing some? With perhaps any discounts as I have been told they are quite pricey.
Thanks in advance

TheSpectator

Try charity shops?

savagelyric

Our Age UK charity shop and also a local hospice charity shop regularly have these for sale.

Spoonie_Turtle

Secondhand can be very cheap - often people struggle to even give them away, to find the people who want them. 

But I'd definitely try to seek advice about rollators and frost/ice before using them in such conditions.  

Savvy_Sue

It would be sensible to see if they can get advice from an occupational therapist (via GP), because there are so many different kinds and it's important to get the right kind, adjusted to the right height etc. A visit to a shop selling such aids would probably give some advice, and the ability to at least briefly try different options. 

I also notice that Which? has some articles on the subject, which you'd probably be able to access at your local library if not a subscriber. 

Isla28

Thanks for these, really helpful. 
I agree, I think getting some advice from a company itself first may be useful before purchase. 
If anyone knows of any companies that do this online that you could share, that would be great

teddysmum

I would stay home and order in from Iceland. Their prices are good and next day delivery is free.  If you slip on ice and fall into or under the rollator you could end up more damaged than on a day with reasonable weather.
Gumtree have some bargains in mobility items. I got a nearly new, very light aluminium wheelchair, for £75, when retail was around £300.

Cyclamen

Hello

If you have any local community groups its worth asking there for advice- You may find a neighbour has some advice about local shops or even equipment to loan or at least try out. I use facebook, but friends use 'nextdoor' forum. 

If there is a local disabled persons organisation they can direct you as well.. google your county and independent livings centre, centre for independent living.. they all have slightly different names around the country. 

Personally - a 4 wheel rollator is more stable for me, but harder to steer in small spaces.  A three wheel is great in the house and lighter to push, steers better but not as stable.  I like the bigger wheels as less rattly and a seat. I only use mine in the garden and house as use wheelchairs most of the time.  I have one of each as different tools different jobs. 

Buying second hand is a great start.. I did this initially to work out what i really needed/wanted then sold them on and bought what was right. 

Council OT's can bring some out to try.. in my area they are heavy steel old style ones and weren't suitable.  There was also a long wait to be seen and I have been in the system for Social services. It is worth ringing them for advice but be prepared to be told to go to mobility shop.