Use Mobility Devices

Mobility devices can greatly enhance mobility. For example, if your loved one is unable to ambulate, a wheelchair can allow him or her to move about more freely. If your parent has poor arm mobility or diminished range of motion in the upper body, a motorized wheelchair may be a better option than a manual wheelchair. Conversely, if your loved one is able to walk but has an unsteady gait, a pronged cane or walker may make falling less likely.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Address Weight Issues

Excess weight puts pressure on the bones and joints in the hips, knees, and ankles. Losing weight eases this pressure, potentially increasing mobility. Excess weight can also trigger a systemic inflammatory response, which may exacerbate the symptoms of degenerative joint and bone conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. When this happens, pain and swelling increase, diminishing mobility. If your loved one is unable to lose weight, make an appointment with his or her physician, who may recommend visiting a nutritionist to discuss healthy eating habits. 

A trained professional caregiver can help your loved one prepare meals that meet all his or her specific nutritional needs. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. Dana Point families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Consider Prescribed Pain Medications

If your parent experiences pain, he or she may have severe mobility limitations. Make sure your loved one takes all prescribed medications before any anticipated activity so range of motion increases and pain decreases. If your loved one has new pain, make an appointment with the physician for a complete medical evaluation. Once the source of pain has been identified and treated, mobility limitations may resolve. 

It’s important to note that while degenerative bone and joint disorders are often responsible for limited mobility, other chronic illnesses, such as renal disease, diabetes, circulatory issues, cardiovascular disease, and even vision impairment, can cause mobility limitations. 

Suggest Physical Therapy

Mobility issues caused by an event such as a stroke or recent hip surgery may resolve if your parent enrolls in a physical therapy program. Physical therapy increases strength and mobility, and a physician can determine if your loved one might benefit from this form of therapy. While seniors often notice increased mobility after only a few therapy sessions, it typically takes a couple of months before they meet their rehabilitation goals. 

Assisting Hands® Dana Point 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. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands® Dana Point if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (949) 426-7300 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.