Many seniors live with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other health conditions that can make it difficult to move around easily. Fortunately, there are many medical advancements that can boost mobility and help seniors walk, complete daily tasks, and groom themselves. If your aging loved one has limited mobility, follow these tips to make moving around easier.
Try Gentle Exercising
Older adults who exercise regularly are more likely to maintain mobility as they age. Many seniors find exercise can reduce arthritis symptoms over time. However, it’s important to avoid overdoing exercises because it can be counterproductive. Encourage your loved one to stick to gentle exercises, such as swimming, walking, and lifting small weights.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Get Aids for Hearing & Seeing
Many mobility issues are due to hearing and vision impairments because these sensory conditions make it difficult for seniors to interact with the world around them. Make sure your loved one visits an eye doctor and gets hearing aids if needed. This can reduce the risk of falls that further harm mobility.
Seek Help from a Professional
Some physical therapists can assess a senior’s gait and identify problematic postures and muscle movements that affect mobility. The therapists can then demonstrate more efficient methods of moving and suggest posture changes and stretches to boost mobility and balance.
Change the Environment
Researchers have found seniors who choose to stop moving develop mobility issues later on. Many seniors avoid moving around much because their environments aren’t supportive of their needs. You can promote movement by making sure there are plenty of places for your loved one to stop and rest if tired, removing tripping hazards, and keeping the home well lit. These activities make it easier for seniors to move around more. Regular movement becomes a form of exercise that can boost overall mobility.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. University Park, TX, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Use Mobility Assistance Devices
There are many products that can increase the ability to move around and function. Things as simple as walkers and canes could help some seniors regain lost mobility. Other useful devices may include braces or shoes designed to cushion and protect joints. Talk to your loved one’s doctor to learn more about mobility aids.
University Park in-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (214) 363-3400.