One sign that the senior you love needs extra help around their home is that they are starting to have mobility issues. A senior home care provider can help a senior stay mobile and provide easier methods to get around. There are several ways mobility can deter a senior from doing things, but there are also many ways to help the seniors stay mobile.
A senior home care aide will help find ways to keep the senior active and healthy and figure out a plan on what is stopping them from being mobile on their own. There could be too many obstacles, and the senior may need physical therapy, or perhaps the senior needs to be reminded about staying mobile. The point of a caregiver is to identify what needs to happen to keep a senior healthy.
Not only will a senior home care assistant look after a loved one who is a senior, but they will also be a companion that the senior trusts. It can be hard getting older, and it hurts to grow dependent on a family member. A caregiver is a way to ensure the senior stays safe, continues to be mobile, and has company they can enjoy.
What Conditions Can Hinder Mobility?
Certain conditions can make it hard or even painful for a senior to move. A caregiver will help maintain health problems, help a senior move more, and ensure the doctor knows exactly what is going on at home. Doctors may also be able to help the caregivers understand certain conditions better. Here are some of the conditions that may affect a senior’s mobility.
Joint problems- Arthritis can be a huge reason it hurts to move a certain way or even walk around.
Weak muscles- As we age, our bodies become more resistant to growth signals or stop using muscles.
Obesity- The extra weight can make it hard and unbearable to move around.
Disease- Cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and arthritis can cause mobility issues.
How Senior Home Care can Help Seniors Stay Mobile
One of the main reasons senior home care assistants should help seniors stay mobile is because the movement can help avoid further issues. By staying mobile, it can help older adults stay healthy and combat other problems. Here are some ways to help a senior stay mobile.
Exercise
Every older adult should always talk to their doctor about exercises they can do to stay active. Once they learn a few, the caregiver can help remind them to exercise. This can be a great way to keep seniors mobile.
Physical Therapy
Though many senior home care assistants are not physical therapists, they can drive the older adults to physical therapy or arrange something at home. This allows the caregiver to work on a plan to treat any mobility issues with another professional.
Fall Hazards
A caregiver may notice fall hazards that make it dangerous for seniors. They can help the senior come up with a plan to limit these hazards. It may be as simple as adding in a non-slip surface or rearranging the furniture. This is a huge way to keep seniors mobile.