Senior Care News

Simple Tips for Managing Mobility Issues and Supporting Independence

Caregiver in Galion OH

Mobility issues are extremely common among elderly adults and can be caused by a wide variety of issues, including injuries, illnesses, and general wear and tear of their joints due to age. Despite being so common they can be some of the most dangerous and impactful of challenges that your senior faces. Mobility problems increase the risk of falls as well as diminish their activity level, which can have detrimental effects on their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Helping your parent manage their mobility issues and support their independence and improve their quality of life and help them to preserve it as they get older.

 

Use these tips to help your elderly loved one manage their mobility issues and maintain better independence throughout their later years:

  • Reduce tripping risk. It is important to remember that elderly adults tend to have a different gait than younger people. This means that they are at greater risk of slipping and tripping than people with stronger, more confident gaits. Go through their home and make meaningful modifications to reduce the risk that your loved one will trip, such as removing loose floor coverings and moving any small decorative items sitting on the floor.
  • Add seating throughout the home. Standing for long periods can be extremely challenging for an elderly adult who deals with arthritis, balance problems, or other mobility issues. Help them to maintain their independence while reducing the risk of injury and discomfort by adding simple seating throughout the home. A stool or chair in the kitchen that allows your parent to sit while preparing or cooking meals and doing dishes, a bench in the bathroom to let them sit while brushing their teeth, and a chair in the bedroom so that they can sit while dressing can make a tremendous difference in your loved one’s confidence and ability to handle tasks each day.
  • Keep them active. When an elderly adult is dealing with mobility issues it is important to keep them as active as possible. This can be meaningful and beneficial regardless of the type of mobility issues that they are facing. Staying active supports better strength, greater range of motion, and more confidence. Talk to their doctor about the types of exercise and activities that are safe and beneficial for your loved one and work toward integrating them into your regular daily care routine.

 

No matter how prepared you feel to be a family caregiver for your elderly loved one, it is probable that at some point in your journey you will realize that the responsibilities and obligations of the role go beyond what you are able to fulfill comfortably, confidently, and effectively. When this happens, starting home care for them can be one of the most meaningful and compassionate decisions that you can make to help them live the highest quality of life as they age in place. A home care provider will be with your parent on a fully customized schedule tailored to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations as well as their personality, lifestyle goals, and beliefs. This means that they are able to live the lifestyle that they desire while still staying safe, comfortable, healthy, and happy as they age. This can be truly beneficial and meaningful for an elderly adult who is suffering from mobility issues. The personalized support and assistance of a home care provider can help your parent to stay active but avoid potential dangers associated with mobility and balance concerns.

If you are considering hiring caregiver services in Galion, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

 

Stephen Sternbach

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