Seniors with mobility issues often need assistance with their daily routines. Your senior loved one may have a temporary challenge with mobility after an illness or injury, or he or she may need long-term help. These five tips can help you keep your loved one safe while also meeting his or her needs.
1. Identify Mobility Aids
There are many different types of mobility devices that can help seniors get around more easily. For instance, your loved one might use a cane or walker if he or she still has the ability to stand and use his or her feet. Wheelchairs are another option that can increase mobility, and your loved one might use one only when he or she feels too weak to stand. Once you find a mobility aid that works well for your loved one, remember he or she may need help learning how to use it properly.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Green Valley live in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Embrace In-Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
2. Create a Clear Path through the Home
Most seniors with mobility issues find it difficult to step over objects in their paths, and your loved one may need you to move things around to make it easier to use a mobility device. For example, you might need to rearrange the furniture to widen the walking path through your loved one’s home. You should also check out the bedroom to make sure your loved one can easily get in and out of bed without worrying about falling.
3. Consider Home Modifications
You can add things such as grab bars to your loved one’s home to prevent falls. The bathroom is one area where you may need to focus your attention. Toilets that are slightly higher than the traditional type can make it easier to get into a seated position. Handrails in the shower can also help your loved one maintain balance. As you look around the house, try to see things from your loved one’s perspective and find solutions to increase the ability to be independent.
4. Explore Ways to Increase Mobility
Seniors can sometimes increase their ability to move around. Your loved one may need to attend physical therapy if his or her mobility issue is caused by an injury or stroke. Make sure your loved one has transportation to therapy appointments. Your loved one may also need assistance with doing exercises at home that can increase balance and muscle strength.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise at home in safety and comfort. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
5. Provide Assistance with Daily Tasks
Seniors with mobility challenges also need help managing their daily activities. For instance, your loved one may need someone to help with cooking if he or she is unable to stand for very long in the kitchen. Housekeeping is a daily need a home caregiver can assist with. Observe your loved one’s daily routine and offer help with the tasks that are impossible or difficult for him or her to accomplish independently.
A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with mobility limitations can be a fantastic resource for family members. Green Valley 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. Embrace In-Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (520) 625-2050 to learn more about our customized care plans.