Dementia and Durable Medical Equipment: Rollators, Transport Chairs and Shower Chairs Oh My! Part 1 

Throughout everything that I have experienced with my mom’s dementia, DME (durable medical equipment) was my time to shine! 

My literal job

As a physical therapist (PT), this was my bread and butter. This area was one in which I could assess, order and make a difference in Mom’s life. The first piece of equipment I ordered for Mom was a rollator. This is commonly known as a walker, but it has four wheels and a seat. It is for higher level walkers that move well, but just need that extra bit of support. 

Mom suffered from back pain and as her cognition declined, she became more and more isolated in her apartment. This is a common behavioral change of someone with dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Society: “Sometimes a person with dementia will stop taking part in activities or conversation as much as they used to, or at all. This can happen when a person is aware that they are finding certain things more difficult to do. For example, they might keep losing the thread of conversations or have trouble expressing themselves. They may also find too much stimulation distressing, such as being in a noisy room with lots of people. People with dementia may also become more withdrawn over time as they socialize or communicate less.”

We noticed this with Mom and with this social withdrawal came increased back pain and increased weakness. She didn’t want to leave her apartment, so she walked less and less. Loss of strength is part of aging, but it can be counteracted with exercise. Mom was getting no exercise, and barely enough basic activity secondary the small size of her apartment and her preference to sit in her chair and watch TV. 

Just the right amount of support

This lack of activity resulted in an increased difficulty with walking. A rollator gave her upper extremity support that relieved her back pain enough to allow an increased tolerance with walking. It is also less energy expensive to walk with a rollator, so she could walk a longer distances using this device. It was helpful, and she still uses her rollator to this day. 

Ordering a rollator for your loved one is easier now than ever. You no longer need a medical catalog, or the assistance of a professional. Rollators can be conveniently purchased online, or purchased in person at most drug and big box stores. There are many options available, but if you are of average height and weight, a basic rollator is all you need. They are easy to assemble, and almost completely ready to use straight out of the box. The more expensive options offer options like a heavier frame and bigger wheels. See my Resources page for the one I purchased for Mom. 

Therapy can help

If the choices seem overwhelming, this is where a physical therapist can help you pick the rollator that is right for you or your loved one. They can also teach you how to properly set the height, manage the speed, and safely use the seat. Mom had her own personal PT to help her manage the purchase and use of her rollator. It was a success and helped greatly with her balance and gait tolerance. 

Sometimes you need more

Despite my best efforts however, Mom’s mobility continued to decline and soon taking her to doctor appointments became a huge ordeal secondary to her extremely slow walking speed. She also had developed atrial fibrillation which caused shortness of breath. Just to get her from her apartment to the car could take 20 minutes. Add to that the drive, getting out of the car, the walk the doctor’s office, the appointment, the drive back….these appointments became all day events for my sister and I! I knew we needed a more time friendly solution that would also be easier for Mom. 

Next up – a transport chair!