Choosing a Walking Aid

Whether it's time to get your first walking aid or maybe upgrade or replace an existing rollator walker, Dauterman has you covered. From inexpensive single point canes to rolling walkers with handbrakes and a basket, we have plenty to choose from. Not sure whether to choose among the quad canes or rollators? The following brief overview should help get you on your way, but give us a call at 808-591-8860 and our  staff will help you out if needed. 

Canes - The entry-level member of the ambulatory aids family, canes come in various styles so there is something for everyone. Single-point canes offer some stability, while quad canes will give more sturdy footing. Quad canes are a better choice if the walking aid is for long-term usage.

Crutches - Whether it's a broken leg or a lifelong disability, we have a variety of standard crutches to choose from. We have the most basic crutches to forearm crutches. Just be sure to pay attention to the height restrictions when ordering.

Standard Folding Walkers - These are the no-frills models that no wheels, brakes or seats. All models fold, making them easy to get in and out of the car or store away in a closet.  Most standard folding walker models also accommodate accessories such as wheels and brakes.

Rollators - These models are top of the line and come in both three and four-wheeled models. In addition to locking hand brakes and baskets, most of these rollator walker models offer a seat that's convenient for resting when it is just too far to walk. Throw in the choice of colors and you have the best walkers/rollators out there. 

Specialty Walkers: We offer a wide range of specialty walkers, from side-steppers to knee walkers. These diverse walkers fit almost every user need.

If you have any questions about what type of walker will best fit your needs, give us a call at 808-591-8860.

Selecting a Wheelchair

Looking for a wheelchair for quick trips to the store or to get you out of the house?  You have come to the right place.  There are a lot of choices out there when choosing a manual wheelchair, including transport wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, ultralightweight wheelchairs and more.  The following brief descriptions should help get you on your way: 

Transport Wheelchairs:  With four small wheels and lightweight frames, transport wheelchairs are the perfect choice for transporting someone to and from the house or around the mall.  A transport wheelchair is narrower than a standard wheelchair, making it a good choice for tight hallways and narrow doorways around the house.  We carry a full line of Invacare wheelchairs.

Standard Weight Wheelchairs: With weights starting at 35 pounds, a standard weight wheelchair is the perfect choice when you need a wheelchair that will be used less than four hours per day, but needs to be self-propelled.  A full selection is available from the most basic models with fixed legrests and armrests to wheelchairs that have elevating legrests and removable armrests.  There are also models with a "hemi" height option.  This option allows you to lower the seat-to-floor height and remove the legrests so that the user can use their feet to help propel the chair.  All standard weight wheelchairs fold for easy transport and storage.  Consider a foam cushion for additional comfort.

Lightweight Wheelchairs: With weights ranging from 28-34 pounds, a lightweight wheelchair is a great choice when you need a wheelchair that will be used more frequently, when you need special options, or when you have your heart set on a specific frame and upholstery color combination.  This category covers it all, with basic lightweight wheelchairs to wheelchairs that are available with a full range of options including an adjustable angle back, wild frame colors, pneumatic (air-filled) tires, a wide range of seating sizes and heights, and multiple legrests and armrest choices.

Tilt/Recline Wheelchairs: A reclining back is a great option for those who spend the majority of their time in a wheelchair as it offers more positions.  A tilt wheelchair offers alternative positioning and pressure relief for those who are unable to re-position themselves.  Both of these options add weight to the wheelchair, so keep this in mind if easy transport is a concern.

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs: With weight capacities ranging from 300 to 850 pounds, these heavy duty wheelchairs can accommodate nearly any user.  Dauterman represents a full range of heavy duty wheelchairs, from economical bariatric transport chairs, to complex highly-configurable models.

Selecting Mobility Scooters

Dauterman Healthcare & Mobility offers a wide selection of 3-wheeled scooters and 4-wheeled mobility scooters at reasonable prices. With many different mobility scooter models available, we can meet everyone's scooter needs. Just call for help in identifying the perfect mobility scooter for you.

Not sure where to start? The following overview will answer basic questions and get you on your way.

Transportable/Travel Mobility Scooters: These scooters are just what their name implies, ready to get you on the road. Models in this category disassemble into 4 pieces for easy transport in the trunk of most cars. These travel scooters are easy to lift into the trunk, with the heaviest piece on some models weighing as little as 22 pounds. Sealed batteries make them airline safe. As you might imagine, these travel scooters are compact so we don't recommend them for people over 5'10" or 300 pounds. 

3-Wheeled Mobility Scooters: A step up in size and features from the travel scooters, these scooters offer full-sized comfort with three-wheeled maneuverability. They are the perfect choice if your mobility needs demand a scooter that you can use both indoors and out. With weight capacities up to 350 pounds and available features like upgraded seats, there is a mobility scooter for most everybody in this category. We carry manufacturer brands including Golden scooters and Pride scooters.

4-Wheeled Mobility Scooters: When you need maximum stability or are going to be using your mobility scooter predominantly outdoors, a 4-wheeled scooter can't be beat. On the larger models, the higher ground clearance and bigger tires make these a great choice for more rugged terrain, and some go as fast as 9 mph. The turning radius is wider, so the full-size models are not the best choice for indoor usage. We sell the largest of these scooters to many folks who work and play outdoors.

Heavy Duty/High Weight Capacity Mobility Scooters: If you weigh over 350 pounds, these are the mobility scooters for you. With both 3 and 4-wheeled models to choose from, and with weight capacities up to 500 pounds, there is sure to be a heavy duty/high weight capacity scooter that meets your mobility needs.

Selecting a Power Wheelchair

Whether you are replacing an existing chair or shopping for your first power wheelchair, Dauterman has the selection and expertise to make sure you get the power wheelchair that is right for you. We understand that the choices available in a power wheelchair can be overwhelming. By understanding the features and applications that the different models offer, you can know which power wheelchair will best meet your needs.

Here is a brief overview of the different types of power wheelchairs that are available. 

Travel/Portable Power Wheelchairs: Travel power wheelchairs are designed not only for portability but also work well in compact or crowded spaces such as apartments, stores, cruise ships or malls. Most of our travel/portable models are disassembled by removing the seat, battery pack and base. Most components are relatively light but there may be some lifting involved in moving the heaviest components.  Newer models are now very compact foldable and lightweight with long lasting lightweight lithium ion batteries.

Center-Drive Power Wheelchairs: Center-wheel drive power wheelchairs are commonly referred to as mid-wheel drive power chairs. Although not easily transportable without the use of an accessible van or vehicle lift, center-wheel power wheelchairs are among the most maneuverable models available. In tight, confined spaces, center-wheel drive power wheelchairs not only require far less maneuvering than other power wheelchairs, they are also quite easy to operate.

Front Wheel Drive Power Wheelchairs: Like the name implies front wheel drive chairs have the large drive wheel located towards the front of the wheelchair base. When turning and maneuvering, the wheels in front of the user are powering movement. When making turns there is a "tail" that must be compensated for. There is no right or wrong wheel base it is really up to the user and what they prefer. 

Rear Wheel Drive Power Wheelchairs: The large drive wheel on is located towards the back or rear on the base of these wheelchairs. Some people find rear wheel drive chairs very easy to maneuver. Typically there is very little power wheelchair behind the driver, making it visually easy to maneuver turns since you can see if you are about to hit anything with the majority of your chair. 

Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs: Designed for higher weight capacity users (ranging from 300 lbs. to 650 lbs.), heavy-duty power wheelchairs are available in a variety of styles, including folding and center-wheel drive.

Selecting a Power Lift Chair Recliner

Dauterman offers you a comprehensive selection of lift chairs to meet your every need, ranging from a basic two-position lift chair recliner all the way to an infinite-position lift chair recliner. Dauterman has chosen Golden Technologies and Pride Lift Chairs as our vendors of choice for their quality manufacturing processes and their creative product development.

Don't know which lift chair recliner to choose? Not sure where to start? The following brief overview of what's available among the lift chair recliner selection should help get you on your way. 

2-Position Lift Chairs: A two-position lift chair has a sitting position, a reading position (which is a slight recline) and a lifted or standing position. These models are the most economical and come in a variety of fabrics and styles. These lift chairs are perfect if you're searching for the most affordable Golden Technologies or Pride lift chair.

3-Position Lift Chairs: A three-position lift chair has a sitting position, a lifted position, a reading position and a recline position, which is sometimes called a "napping position". It is NOT a full recline. This is the most popular category for a lift chair recliner with a broad range of styles, features and prices to meet everyone's needs and budget.

Infinite-Position Lift Chairs: For a full-recline position (also called the Trendelenburg Position) which elevates the feet above the heart, select an 'infinite-position' lift chair. The infinite-position lift chair recliner chairs have dual motors which allow you to control the footrest and the back independently, and they recline fully, allowing you to use the chair for sleeping. If you're looking for the most versatile lift chair, these are for you.

Heavy Duty Lift Chairs - Most lift chairs can accommodate up to 375 pounds.  If you need a higher weight capacity we have a wide selection to choose from with weight capacities up to 700 pounds. Most have dual motors to ensure powerful operation and reduce wear on the motors of the lift chair recliner with long-term use. Lift chairs in this category are also available to accommodate those who are taller than average.