How to Support an Aging Parent With Limited Mobility
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, mobility impairment is the most common disability among older Americans. Other studies have indicated that 35% of people over the age of 70 and the overwhelming majority of those over the age of 85 experience mobility issues.
It can be challenging to realize that your aging parent can’t get around like they used to. Not only can it bring new fears about injuries, but it also necessitates a new and complex conversation around their needs.
If you’re finding it difficult to know how to support your aging parent during this time, you’re not alone. Here are some tools you can use to get a better understanding of limited mobility issues and how to increase your parents’ quality of life.
Understanding Mobility Issues Among the Aging
Mobility issues don’t look the same for every aging adult. Some have issues with balance that result in frequent falls or issues walking on uneven ground. In other cases, muscle weakness and joint pain can cause issues walking up and down the stairs, bending down to pick something up, or moving from a sitting to a standing position.
If your parents are experiencing any of these common problems, it may be time to talk with them about getting their medical team involved. For example:
- An eye doctor can diagnose vision problems that make it hard to see fall hazards or judge distances
- An audiologist can detect inner ear deficiencies that may cause a lack of balance
- A pharmacist can check medication side effects that may cause dizziness, back or joint pain, blurry vision, muscle weakness, or impaired balance
- A medical doctor can look for underlying conditions that may cause mobility problems and recommend physical therapy or lifestyle changes
It’s essential to understand the cause and extent of mobility issues to know how to help your loved one overcome the challenges associated with them.
Strategies for Mitigating Challenges With Limited Mobility
If your parents are experiencing mobility issues, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve their ability to get around.
Offer Assistive Devices
Your parents may be one technological advancement away from regaining their mobility and independence. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as using a cane or walker to help them stay balanced or relieve joint pressure. In other cases, they may need a wheelchair or motorized scooter to help them get around in public places.
Consider Home Modifications
Minor home modifications can make it easier for seniors to move around independently at home, including:
- Installing handrails in the shower or other places around the home
- Adding lighting to help with dim vision
- Placing rubber mats under rugs to prevent slipping
- Installing a stair lift to navigate multi-story homes
- Lowering counters or adding pullout shelves in the kitchen
- Widening doorways or walkways to accommodate wheelchairs
Talk with your parents about which activities are most difficult for them so you will know which modifications will be of the most help.
Suggest Lifestyle Changes
When possible, it may be a good idea for your parents to add exercise into their lives if they haven’t already. Strength and resistance training can help them improve their range of motion, balance, and strength. Walking can provide the same benefits and help improve cardiovascular health.
Regular exercise can also help prevent a future loss of mobility or stop certain issues from worsening as time goes on.
Proper Mobility Support Starts With the Right Conversations
Mobility concerns aren’t a small matter for your aging loved ones. They can lead to falls, fractures, and many other health issues, some of which can ultimately be devastating. Fortunately, the right support can act as a preventive measure for potentially catastrophic results.
If your parents are experiencing mobility issues, don’t hesitate to talk with them and their trusted medical professionals about what you can do to mitigate the risks. With the proper support, it can be possible for your loved ones to stay safe, enjoy their lives, and maintain a sense of freedom and independence.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
