Help Elderly Relative To Be More Mobile With These Three Tips
As people age, they may become less mobile. This can be due to several factors, from stiffening joints and decreased flexibility to the effects of debilitating medical conditions like arthritis and asthma.
If you have an elderly relative who has become increasingly less mobile, you are probably keen to find out what you can do to help them lead a more mobile, and enjoyable, life. Here are three tips that you can use to help your elderly relative become more mobile.
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Assisted living community
Your relative might struggle to safely navigate their own home and carry out basic chores like vacuum cleaning and dusting. This could especially be the case if they live in a large, multi-story house with an unusual layout.
Nowadays, it is much easier to find assisted living facilities by doing some research online, so do not be afraid to compare a few different options – above all, moving into an assisted living community will ensure that your relative receives some assistance in carrying out their daily tasks while retaining their independence.
When considering a senior living apartment, Brightview assisted living in Rockville, MD suggests you answer the following questions: Is the layout designed to provide a safe living environment? Does the kitchen provide the amenities your relative will need? What kind of technology is offered, like WiFi, to connect to the internet? By answering these questions you can be assured that your elderly relative will be moving into a community that will fulfill their needs and gets them more mobile.
Mobility aids
If your relative would prefer to remain in their own home, for the time being, there are certain mobility aids that you can install to ensure that they can get around safely and easily.
A stairlift, for instance, will transport your relative up and down the stairs with ease and without the fear of falling, meaning that both floors of the house can be used to their full advantage. Mobility aids can be added to suit certain specific rooms, too.
For instance, the bathroom can be particularly hazardous, with excess moisture leading to slippery surfaces that could result in falls. However, with the addition of bathroom mobility aids like grab rails, walk-in showers, and shower chairs, your relative will be able to confidently move around their bathroom without the fear of slipping. You could also invest in labor-saving devices, like a robot vacuum cleaner, to help your relative carry out their household chores.
Walking aids
If your relative is unsteady on their feet, they are afraid of suffering a fall when outside, meaning that they are reluctant to leave their home. The support of a walking aid might help them to regain their confidence, enabling them to become more mobile and independent. Walking aids are available with varying levels of support. Walking sticks and Zimmer frames will provide your relative with more stability when they are walking, helping to prevent falls and increasing confidence in walking.
A mobility scooter can be extremely beneficial in helping those who are unable to walk long distances become more mobile. These are just three of the many solutions out there that help ease the journey through old age.
