Too often, seniors are stereotyped as being completely dependent. Many older adults are fully capable of caring for themselves. They drive, go shopping and even play sports. However, there comes a time in nearly everyone’s older person’s life when he/she needs a little help with everyday activities. Are you noticing the onset of mobility issues with an elderly loved one in your life? What are the signs that your aging parent may need to begin using a mobility solution?
Your aging parent skips physical activity.
Light exercise is recommended for all older adults. It promotes blood circulation, strengthens muscles and helps to promote better balance and overall strength. Many seniors quite enjoy engaging in physical activity. But are you noticing that Mom or Dad is refusing to go to the park these days? Does he/she not seem to demonstrate the same enthusiasm for taking a walk? If so, a walker or rollator would be an excellent choice to help with his/her mobility.
“Another warning sign is an older adult who previously engaged in some degree of exercise but now is choosing a more sedentary lifestyle,” points out British Columbia’s Serenity Home Care, “Weakness or exhaustion can lead to problems with mobility.”
The senior in your life experiences frequent falls.
Research shows that about 80 percent of injury hospitalizations involving seniors were due to falls. If the senior in your life is unstable on his/her feet, there is literally no time to waste in addressing the matter. Falls are known to cause severe injuries and even deaths. As Florida’s Advent Christian Village reports, the World Health Organization cites falls as the second leading cause of accidents among seniors.
“Those over the age of 65 are at an increased risk for serious injury,” says their website, “While leaving your house typically increases your likelihood of a fall, it’s important to understand your home can pose a similar risk – especially the bathroom. If you have two or more falls within a 3 to 6 month period it could be time to consider a basic mobility device, such as a cane.”
Your loved one stays clear of the stairs.
Is the senior in your life avoiding the stairs? For many older adults, walking up and down the stairs is a harrowing task. Naturally, you want to avoid falls on the stairs. Stairway accidents can be deadly. To assist your elderly loved one with safe climbs up and down the stairs, a stair lift is highly recommended. The revolutionary invention completely eliminates the risk of slipping and falling down the steps.
“An older adult who appears to be getting around just fine but is avoiding going up or down stairs could be fearful of falling because of mobility changes,” notes Serenity Home Care.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which mobility solution is best for you. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
