1. What is considered a walker and assistive device?

A walker is a walking aid with wheels and support handles, intended for people who have an impaired ability to walk. In Sweden, it is considered a assistant that can be prescribed via healthcare/municipality if there is a need. For example, statistics from the National Board of Health and Welfare show that the walker is the most common assistive device in Sweden. National Board of Health

2. Who is responsible for providing rollators?

Responsibility for rollators lies with the regions and/or municipalities – depending on where you live and what type of need it is. 1177
There is no uniform national rule for exactly what is covered and how much out-of-pocket costs there will be – it varies between regions/municipalities. Hejaolika.se

3. How does the application/prescription process work?

• Start by contacting your health care center, occupational therapist or physiotherapist (or equivalent) and mention the need for assistive devices. 1177

• The prescriber will make a needs assessment based on your disability, ability to walk, safety, environment, etc.

• If the need is assessed, you will be prescribed the aid (rollator). In some cases it is loaned out, in other cases a certain fee or loan is involved. There are different rules for each region.

4. Do I have to pay for the rollator?

Yes - sometimes there is a deductible or loan fee depending on the region/municipality's regulations. For example, some loans charge a one-time fee when you apply for a loan. But in some cases the fee may be zero, depending on your situation or if the aid is a short-term loan.

5. What does the loan cover - can the rollator be used on? workplace or to get to work?

The prescription covers aids that are considered necessary for your independent mobility and everyday life due to your disability.
If the rollator is needed to get to work or move around the workplace, you should raise this in the discussion with the prescriber. Please note that workplace responsibilities and regulations may affect you - employers have their own obligations under work environment laws.

6. What happens if I change jobs or move within Sweden?

You should contact your assistive technology prescriber or the region's assistive technology unit when moving or changing workplace. Needs can be reviewed - a new aid can be prescribed if the need has changed. This varies by region. 1177

7. What can I do if I don't get a walker despite needing one?

• Request a meeting to discuss your needs assessment with an occupational therapist/physiotherapist.

• Check the region's or municipality's regulations for assistive devices - what does it say there? For example, documents that rules differ between regions. Hejaolika.se

• You can also contact the patient council or a similar body if you believe that you have not received the right help. 1177

8. Are there alternative financing or grant opportunities besides prescription?

Yes, but it depends on your situation:

• If the aid is needed for home adaptation or at home, for example, the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's housing adaptation grant can cover certain adaptations - not a walker directly, but for example space for aids. Boverket

• You can check whether insurance, pension or other municipal support is available for mobility aids.

• If the device is necessary for work, responsibility for the device at the workplace may fall under the employer's responsibility - you should talk to your employer and the company health department.

9. Practical tips when looking for a walker as an aid

• Document your disability and how it affects your mobility (indoors, outdoors).

• Clearly state why the walker is needed - so that you can do safely, participate in work or everyday life.

• Find out which models the region is working with and which criteria apply to your municipality/region.

• Save supporting documents, certificates and decisions - useful in the event of an appeal or new assessment.

• Discuss with the workplace about support and possible adjustments - Employers are responsible for the working environment.