Three Ways You Can Help Your Elderly Relative Improve Their Mobility
One of the most challenging things about getting older is losing mobility, and if you have an elderly relative you’re helping acclimate to their senior years, it’s important to preserve as much of their independence as possible.
It’s often the case that a reduction in movement is the thin end of the wedge, so to speak. Once someone stops moving around as much, everything, from their nutrition to their mental engagement with things they used to enjoy, can begin to deteriorate. Getting someone up and about can be a big challenge, of course, as many elderly people feel depressed about the fact that they’re not as agile as they once were.
To help you help your relative to get the most out of their life, this article will cover three ways you can get them as mobile as possible.
1. The Importance of Gentle Exercise
When someone mentions the need to engage in regular exercise for optimal health, most think of running, biking, or some other form of relatively vigorous cardiovascular activity, but exercise takes many forms.
With people already struggling with mobility issues, it’s important to take things slowly. Consider some basic stretching and slow, controlled bodyweight exercises that you can do together in the morning or evening. The muscles and ligaments require surprisingly little to stay supple, so even these gentile movements can make a big difference.
There are many different types of workouts available, and what’s best for your relative will depend on their current level of mobility and any conditions they face. Before starting exercise, be sure to discuss what’s best with a GP and physiotherapist.
For people with mobility issues, even just getting around the home can be a challenge. Having a visit from an occupational therapist is a must in these cases, as they’ll thoroughly assess the property to implement the necessary modifications.
This could involve anything from a couple of simple handrails installed in the downstairs toilet and bathrooms to a full stair lift. While your elderly relative may be reluctant to consider these aids at first, try to help them embrace them, as they can have a big impact on their quality of life.
3. Outdoor Mobility Aids
For most elderly individuals, their biggest challenges are navigating the outside world. Unlike their homes, towns and cities are unpredictable, so they’ll need mobility aids to explore confidently.
This could be something simple like a walking stick or the investment in a mobility scooter, the latter of which can truly transform someone’s life if they’re unable to walk (a good mobility shop stocks a range of models potential buyers can test drive).
Again, a physiotherapist can help advise on what sort of measures are necessary to help, so be sure to seek their advice first before buying.
Wrapping Up
Helping an elderly relative regain their mobility can be challenging, but it’s also extremely rewarding. Take your time reviewing the options and lean on the professionals around you for support, and you’ll come up with something that vastly improves your loved one’s senior years. Good luck!
