If your mom is shuffling her feet when she walks, or your dad appears to be tripping over his own feet, he or she may be struggling with their balance, which affects their mobility. Those of you who find yourselves asking mom to pick up her feet when she walks or telling dad to watch where he’s walking may actually be causing more problems for your parent than you are solving. It is possible mom may not be capable of stopping the foot shuffle. Meanwhile dad may be watching where he’s walking, but his brain and his legs are just not in sync.
Shuffling is a common cause of falls that may lead to bone fractures and joint replacements. Your mother or father must be extra careful on slippery floors, or floors with area rugs and uneven thresholds. It is not uncommon for seniors to trip and stumble as their shoe sticks to something on the ground. Seniors should have their shoes properly fitted and exercise can improve mobility and stave off nasty falls.
Three Exercises to Improve Balance:
- Single Leg Stand – Keep one hand balanced on a sturdy chair, stand on one leg, and bend the knee of the other leg for a count of ten and do the same with the other leg – repeat five times.
- Opposite Arm & Leg Balance – Again, keep a sturdy chair near you and with one hand balanced on the chair, stand on one leg and raise the opposite arm for a count of ten. Do the same with the other leg and arm – repeat five times.
- Heel to Toe Walk – This exercise looks somewhat like a sobriety test as seniors walk a straight line heel to toe, heel to toe.
Lack of exercise or obesity can cause poor posture and shuffling. Your parent can work with their senior care provider to find fitness activities. Yoga or aquatic therapy at a senior center can improve balance and walking. These activities may also help reduce weight and promote overall well-being for your parent.
Seniors should consult a doctor before starting exercise. The doctor may have specific instructions or recommend a physical therapist. Additionally, they can provide guidance on suitable exercises for your loved one’s health condition. It’s important to prioritize safety and tailor the exercise regimen to their individual needs.
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Caregivers can be great companions on walks and to provide support for balance exercises. In fact, there are many benefits of senior care services.
Check out our full list of services and give us a call at (239) 510-7761 to schedule your free consultation in the Fort Myers, FL area.
