Seniors with limited mobility can be tough to care for. Not only are they hindered by their issues, but they also struggle with mental problems due to their disability. But the truth is that carers should not feel powerless to help. There are plenty of aids that seniors can use or services to resort to, such as live-in care. In general, there are a lot of good strategies that carers should employ when caring for seniors with mobility problems. Here are some of them.
Make sure the main pathways in the home are clear
If your loved one is moving around with a cane, a walker or perhaps a wheelchair, they rely on their device to help them retain balance and keep them on the go. However, any clutter can make it very difficult for them to move around or even cause them to fall if they are not careful. If a hallway or room is cluttered with furniture, a wheelchair can be too wide to move across. You should take your loved one for a walk in different parts of the home and see if anything is getting in the way of safe and free movement. You can make the necessary adjustments to furniture items and room layouts and remove clutter from the more problematic areas.
Practice your lifting strategies
In certain situations; you will need to aid your loved one in moving from one area to another. For example, it could be getting them out and placing them in a wheelchair. It is a good idea always to encourage them to do as much of the movement on their own as they can. It will help them retain some sense of independence. If you have to lift them, use a technique that will not jeopardise your back. Involve your leg muscles more. If possible, get someone else to help you, such as a live-in carer or another family member.
Make any daily necessities easier to access
With mobility issues; your loved one may find it almost impossible to do tasks such as reaching for high areas and picking up items from a lower drawer. Finding new spots for things they will need throughout the day is a good idea. Perhaps you will find out that they can do more tasks independently if you accommodate the required tools and make everything they need easier to reach and store at the right height.
Preserve their current ability by helping them stay active
One of the best ways for your loved one to maintain some level of independence is to help them stay active. You should ask their physician for a set of light exercises that you can help the person with mobility problems do. The main emphasis should be on safety and ease of movement. Sometimes even simple stretching exercises can be perfect for the person.
Consider their emotional and social needs
Without a doubt, your loved one’s focus is on their physical condition, and it can sometimes be challenging to think about their emotional health. Reach out to them and see what support you can offer to ease the problem. Any physical issue often leads to cutting social ties and depression, and mental problems.
Always remember these tips when caring for a loved one with physical disabilities or movement problems. They can make a world of difference.