I had been using a traditional walking frame (Zimmer frame), but found that it was making me walk much slower than I really wanted. I found it very frustrating. I was advised that a rollator might be more suitable as it has a more smooth movement, instead of stop start, stop start.

I have bad rhumatoid arthritis, and my walking is difficult and painful, I wanted something that gave me security from falling around the house. Outside, I tend to use a wheelchair, but inside I want to avoid this if I can.

The rollator seemed a good idea, but there are so many to choose from. These were the points that I found really useful.

• I measured the doorways in my house – (all of them, just incase any were different!), the rollator had to fit through the doorways, and some were much too wide.
• The height had to be adjustable, I am very tall at 5′8″, and didn’t want something that hurt my back, or made me stoop.
• A basket was important, as I need to carry things about at home. If I am holding the rollator, the rollator needs to hold things for me.
• Easy grip brakes were important. You can get models that have brake handles designed especially for people with problems using their hands, like arthritic attachments.
• Some rollators fold up smaller than others. Bare this in mind if you need to put it in the car, or away in a cupboard.
• The weight also varies greatly, models seem to start at about 5kg. If you need something lighter, try a walking frame – some come with wheels too.