Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, 30-year-old Tabitha Star, who has cerebral palsy and has been a spastic quadriplegic since birth, regularly attended well-equipped physiotherapy clinics to meet her exercise needs. 

But after Toronto went into lockdown last spring, she was left with no options. That sent her mother, Lisa Star, on a hunt for home equipment that could do the job.

Lisa’s search led her to the Medup V2, the newest active-passive motorized therapy bike to be introduced into Canada.

A great motorized cycle for rehab and exercise at home

This wheelchair-accessible trainer is a great tool for rehab and exercise at home for people with physical limitations stemming from a variety of diseases and conditions, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries.   

After only a short trial, Lisa decided the Medup V2 was a very effective choice for her daughter. Last July, she bought the first one sold in Ontario. She says that Tabitha has used it every day for at least an hour, and often for longer.

At first,Tabitha used the trainer mostly in passive mode, letting the machine do all the work. But she soon began using her own leg muscle power along with the motor.

Initially, she suffered from lots of spasms but they have decreased significantly. As well, her leg muscles, which were always tight, are now loosened after just  half an hour on the bike.

Reducing spasms and spasticity among benefits of Medup V2

Reductions in spasms and spasticity are among the many benefits of using the Medup V2. Improved circulation is another; Tabitha’s legs, which always felt cold, are noticeably warmer after a workout on the Medup V2. 

Tabitha has experienced other positive effects, including an improved gait pattern and better endurance, adds her stepfather, Nik Tsoutsoulas.

For example, when she began to use the home exercise bike, she could take only up to 30 steps with her stepdad’s support. Now, that’s risen to more than 70 steps, he says. 

The family spends their winters in Arizona.  The first month there, Tabitha asked daily for her Medup V2, which they’d left behind in Toronto. She missed it so much that her family purchased a second motorized bike for their time in Arizona.

Growing old can often feel like an intimidating process, yet it is one that we all must go through at some point. When the time comes to start considering your living situation and whether you should stay in your home or consider moving to somewhere smaller with more support there are many things to consider. Though living in a home that can offer support and assistance can be the right solution for you, there are many benefits to staying in your home for as long as you can.   

Benefits to aging in place at home

There are many reasons why people should age in place as long as they can. From social benefits to financial ones, the motivations to stay in familiar surroundings are plenty.

Surroundings are familiar

Aging in a situation where surroundings are familiar can help seniors feel more comfortable when it may seem like everything else is changing. Being able to wake up in the same bed, eat at the same table and relax on the same couch that they have for years can help with the aging process as a whole.

You can hold onto your social life

Seeing your friends and taking part in social activities is a great way to relax and maintain a positive outlook. Aging in place is one of the best ways to be able to continue these friendships and relationships.

It’s likely cheaper

Moving into a supported living facility often comes with a higher cost than that of independent living. If you are able to live on your own you will be able to save some money until the time comes when you are ready for the support that a seniors’ facility can offer.

You’ll maintain your independence

One of the most difficult things about transitioning into a space where you have more support is likely losing some of your freedom and independence. Aging comes along with the difficult knowledge that you’ll reach a point when you can no longer move around as easily on your own. When you are able to stay in your home, you can hold onto this freedom as long as you can. 

Tips to help you age in place

1. Meal and grocery delivery services – If going shopping or cooking meals is starting to feel difficult or dangerous, grocery and meal delivery services can be just what you’re looking for. Take all the guesswork and stress out of having to cook for yourself by having your meals delivered and avoid the struggles of making it to the store with the help of a grocery shopping service.
2. A modified shower or bathtub – When stepping into the bathtub, standing for a shower or getting down and up out of the tub start becoming too hard, modifying your space might be the answer. Whether that means using a shower chair, installing handrails or installing a sit in bathtub, there are many ways to modify your current situation.
3. Stairlifts – At some point walking up and down stairs might become prohibitive. Installing stairlifts can help ensure you can make it up and down with little issue.
4. Handrails – If walking around your home and up and down stairs without support has become too much, installing handrails to go up stairs or down hallways can help you get around.
5. A rollator walker – As walking without support becomes more of a struggle, using a rollator walker to get around can make all the difference. A rollator walker can help you in many ways:

• get around your home with more support
• go shopping independently
• take walks around the neighbourhood
• take rests as needed
• maintain your posture as it helps you stand up straighter
• maintain a higher level of independence

Aging in place has many benefits

For those who are faced with the difficult decision of whether to stay in their home longer or consider moving into an assisted living facility, there may be many factors in play. Though it can be a tough decision to make, there are several benefits to staying in their own home for as long as they can. While you may have some difficulties around your home when it comes to getting around, there are several tools and supports that can offer their assistance and help you stay in familiar surroundings.

As people age their priorities and outlook in life will often change along with them. Today’s seniors’ likely value different things than they did 20 years ago and taking a few minutes to understand what they do value today can help you both identify with them, and know how to support them day to day.

Senior’s top 6 Keys to Living Well

Ask a senior what they value in life, and you’re likely to get many different answers. At the forefront, however, emerge answers relating to these 6 points that relate to maintaining health, connections and independence: 

1. Optimism is a necessary attitude
Today’s seniors are typically an optimistic group. As they get older and start facing more of their future, seniors seem to be maintaining a fairly positive outlook on things. Most seniors reach a place in life where they feel confident that they can maintain a high quality of life and hold onto their motivation day to day. Setting health-related goals can help seniors to keep that optimistic attitude.
2. Maintaining health is important
As people get older the need for physical activity takes a different shape than it did in their younger years. Rather than exercising to build muscle and lose weight, most seniors will instead exercise to improve flexibility, maintain heart health and increase circulation. These health concerns are important to target because the maintenance of each will help seniors continue to live independently and maintain their freedom and independence for much longer than they would otherwise.
3. Connections and relationships
With the ability to move around freely and independently possibly decreasing with age, relationships with friends and family become that much more important to maintain. Strong relationships with your support system can help combat feeling of isolation and depression, which can set in as people age and may have to stay home more.
4. Getting used to technology
Though many seniors struggle with learning how to use technology and incorporating it with their lifestyle, most recognize that this can be a key way to stay connected with family and friends. Learning how to use technology is definitely a difficult process, for some more than others, but once they come to terms with how to use bits of social media it’s a great way to stay connected with family, particularly those who live further away.
5. Their community
Though connections with family and friends are an important part of life, many seniors also recognize that the community they involve themselves in can be very beneficial as well. From participating in local group events to joining in on organized outings, there are many ways a senior can grow their community. Many local community centers put together seniors’ activities and excursions that can help improve both the well being and mental health of seniors.
6. Independence and control
One of the biggest things many seniors want in their life is independence. Though there is often a level of thankfulness to still be healthy and able to live a full life, it’s often not enough when they have to depend on the assistance of others to really get around. The ability to independently move around, live life and control their own schedule is the key to not only surviving, but to actually thriving.

Rollator walkers help maintain independence

One easy way for seniors to hold on to their independence and mobility is to adopt the use of a walker. A rollator walker has many benefits, and can help seniors to continue with a lifestyle full of freedom and mobility.

How a rollator walker helps maintain independence:

• A built-in seat allows for breaks when needed
• Height adjusted handlebars help seniors stand upright and avoid back injury
• The ability to attach bags or a basket so they can do their own shopping
• Compact frame to help them get around both indoors and out
• Sturdy wheels to cope with rougher terrain 

Maintaining great health allows seniors thrive (not just live)!

Today’s seniors often recognize that setting health goals and maintaining their overall health is a key factor in enjoying their day to day life. Maintaining their independence and quality of life is much easier to do when they focus on living well. With good health seniors will experience most other things in a positive light: with less pain and stress comes more comfort and mobility!

Using a rollator walker can be an intimidating thing to take on, especially as you age and experience many changes in your life. However, the possibility of increased instability and the need to have more support and help in staying mobile can lead you to start shopping for a walker.

If you or someone in your family needs help moving around and maintaining their independence and mobility, a rollator walker can be the perfect solution. When shopping for a rollator walker it is important to consider how it fits as well as how the features will suit your needs. 

Why Walking Upright is Important

When you walk with a rollator walker it can often feel easier to push the walker and walk slightly behind it, but this method can actually cause you discomfort, pain and other issues. Walking inside the walker rather than behind it can help prevent a number of issues including:

• Sore back, neck and shoulders due to muscle strain
• Reduced circulation from important arteries getting compressed from bad posture
• Increased headaches and jaw pain resulting from the unconscious clenching of your jaw from leaning forward
• Can cut off blood flow to your brain resulting in memory issues
• Nerve pain when your nerves get ‘pinched’ between your skeletal system 

How to Fit a Rollator Walker

When fitting your rollator walker to your body you want to focus on 2 things: your elbows and your wrists. In order to reduce stress on your back, shoulders and neck when you use your walker, you’ll adjust the height of the walker using these steps:

1. Step inside the walker and first rest your hands on the handle grips
2. With relaxed shoulders and hands on the grips you’ll be able to adjust the height so that your elbows bend at an angle of around 15 degrees
3. Then with your arms relaxed at your sides, the top of the handle grips should line up with the inside of your wrist, approximately where the crease of your wrist is 

Key things to know when looking for a rollator walker

Fitting a rollator walker can be a confusing process, but it’s often not a difficult one. There are a few things to keep in mind when going through the fitting and shopping process that can help make things easier.

You want to walk within the rollator

This may sound obvious, but it’s an essential thing to note. If you’re not walking within the frame of the rollator and are instead pushing it while you walk almost behind it, your back and shoulders are going to feel the effects rather quickly. When walking with your rollator you want to have the frame around you with the handles at your sides so that you are not hunching over.

A tall rollator does not mean you’ll walk upright

It may seem as though if your rollator is tall, you’ll naturally walk upright but this isn’t always the case. A tall rollator can have you leaning over to push it just as much as a short one. Ensure your rollator is fit to your height and body type before you stary using it.

Teach yourself to not slouch

As your body gets tired it can be hard to not slouch but it’s actually very bad for your shoulders and back and can lead to decreased mobility. Rollator walkers can both help and hinder your slouching, so you’ll want to put forth a concerted effort to not slouch and to instead stand upright.

Look for features you’ll use

Rollator walkers have many features that could be helpful to you. Built in seats, hand brakes, adjustable height and both regular and compact frames designed for indoor and outdoor use can all be features that will help you feel comfortable using a rollator walker. 

A rollator walker can be a great solution

If you need some help maintaining your freedom and mobility a rollator walker can be the perfect solution for you. However, you’ll need to ensure that your take steps to properly fit the walker to your body in order to prevent other issues from occurring. Walking upright within your walker is the best way to prevent issues with your back as well as other physical concerns. Choosing a rollator with many features can help ensure that you’ll feel comfortable using it in a variety or situations.

When someone reaches the point where walking unassisted becomes difficult or even impossible to do, it can be overwhelming to try to find the right solution for them. With so many walker choices available to them it is hard to know exactly which one to choose. Rollator walkers are an option that come with the most customizable options and will suit the largest variety of needs.

Benefits of a Rollator Walker

There are many benefits of a rollator walker that make it the option that fills the largest variety of needs. Thanks to many unique features, rollator walkers are a great solution for many people looking for support while walking. Rollator users enjoy these 10 beneifts:

Did you know? Rollators by Volaris are designed to help seniors move more freely and safely. Our customers love sharing first-hand accounts of life-changing benefits. See their testimonials!

1. You can go further

Because a rollator walker comes with a built-in seat, you can go further when you use it. Being able to sit down and rest any time you need to allows you to pause and catch your breath as often as you like.

2. They are easier to use

With 4 wheels on a rollator walker, the unit is easy to use and maneuver so that even a weaker rollator user can use it effectively.

3. A rollator is easy to turn

The 4 wheels on a rollator walker make it very easy to turn and maneuver, especially in narrow areas. The built-in hand brakes are an important safety feature on the rollator walker, so there are no worries about the walker rolling away from the user.

4. It doesn’t require lifting

Because the rollator walker has wheels on the legs rather than just straight ends, it doesn’t need to be lifted in order to take a step forward. Weaker users will have an easier time moving forward because they can just push it forward rather that having to lift it with each step. This is also more ideal for those who struggle with balance issues, since they won’t have to maintain balance each time they lift the walker.

5. You won’t get as tired

With a built-in seat, height adjustable handlebars and wheels that don’t require the walker to be lifted to take a step, the rollator user won’t get as tired as they may have with a standard walker. A rollator walker is often lighter than a standard walker as well.

6. There are compact options

While standard walker sizes don’t vary too much, there are multiple sizes of rollator walkers. You can choose a compact model if you need to use your walker in tight areas or to go around corners often. This allows the walker to be more versatile for your needs. It is also possible to go for a more lightweight model, especially if you will be moving your walker in and out of your vehicle or up and down stairs often.

7. A rollator walker can fold up for transportation

While a standard walker can often also fold up, the rollator walker usually offers a smaller and more compact folded version.

8. You can get both indoor and outdoor models

The wheels on a rollator walker can be customized based on the intended use. If the user will spend more time outside in grass, sand or other harder to navigate terrain, larger wheels make this easier to do. On the other hand, if the walker will only be used inside the user can choose wheels that will offer a more compact profile that won’t scuff up floors.

9. Rollator Walkers Have More Features

A wheeled rollator walker comes with many features that a regular walker doesn’t have. The features on a rollator walker make it much easier and more versatile to use, making it a great option for many users.

Wheeled Walker

• Built-in seat
• Wheels on the legs
• Easy to use handle brakes
• Adjustable height so the user can remain upright rather than hunched over
• Large wheels for outdoor use
• Handles sit below the user rather than in front of them, offering better support

Regular Walker

• No seat
• No wheels, just straight legs
• No brakes needed
• Adjustable height
• Wider frame, making it harder to hold on to 

10. Rollators Encourage Activity for Better Health

For all of the reasons above, having a high quality rollator that is easy to use and that allows greater mobility encourages users to get more active. Greater activity – for seniors or at any age – promotes better fitness and health. This also improves users’ mindset – with an attitude that they CAN do more, see more, and live better!

Rollator Walkers are a Great Choice

For many walker users, a rollator walker is the best choice they can make. The many features combined with the easy to use frame make it an obviously great option. With the needs of users varying quite a bit and changing over time, a rollator walker can grow and change with the user making it a more dynamic and adjustable walker. The portability and maneuverability of a rollator walker just can’t be beat!