As our parents become older, we must start thinking about the many decisions that have to be made regarding their health. One of the most difficult issues seniors face is mobility such as having difficulty walking and sitting. There are many reasons that your loved one may be having mobility issues as they could be due to arthritis, stroke, muscle weakness, or an injury.

If your loved one is unable to walk properly, they will lose a part of their independence which may cause them anxiety, depression, and in some cases even aggression. If you are scared to leave them alone because they may be at risk of falling and injuring themselves, make sure to get some help so that your loved one can be monitored and supported properly with daily tasks.

Reasons for Limited Mobility in Seniors

Seniors may face immobility due to various factors such as aging, accidents, illnesses, or injuries that hinder their movement. Medications and foot issues like bunions or ill-fitting shoes can also affect mobility. Additionally, as loved ones age, their bones become more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. Seniors with Alzheimer’s may struggle to express pain, posing challenges for caregivers. Spinal stenosis can cause pressure to build up in the spine, affecting spinal nerves and the spinal cord, particularly in the lower back and neck, altering their gait and mobility.

Here are a few common reasons for decreased mobility in seniors:

• Arthritis: Arthritis is joint pain and inflammation that happens due to weak bones or low Vitamin D. If your loved one is complaining about knee pain and is unable to walk, you should speak to their primary care physician.
• Stroke: Usually, seniors that have experienced a stroke will have balance issues which causes discomfort and pain while walking or standing up. Since your brain controls the balance, stroke can change this brain function and cause them to be unsteady on their feet.
• Worsening of eyesight and hearing: If your loved one has worsening eyesight and hearing, they may feel less confident when they walk. There is also a fear of falling so they walk less which means that they become less mobile over time, causing their joints to stiffen.
• Muscle cramps: If your loved one has leg cramping, it may be due to dehydration or imbalance in electrolytes or inadequate blood flow in the muscles which can make it more difficult for your senior loved one to walk as they age.
• Obesity: This is another cause of immobility among older people. As the metabolism slows down, it can lead to more body fat which can become an issue when they are walking or standing as they cannot handle their own body weight.
• Spinal cord injury: Spinal cord issues are very common among the elderly. Depending on how severe the issue is, it can cause permanent paralysis or weakness in the legs which can lead to immobility or limping.

How to Help Seniors Who are not Able to Walk

When your senior loved one is unable to walk, it can be stressful for you and for them. However, here are some tips you can follow to help them:

• Schedule an evaluation with their primary care physician: If they are having a tough time walking or are unable to walk, talk to the primary care physician to find out the reason. If the issue comes from arthritis, then ask the doctor to prescribe them the proper medication to help them with the pain so they can start walking again.
• Do some strength and balance training: Once you have figured out the cause of the pain, try to help your loved one build muscle strength. There are many strengthening exercises available to help them with their knees and with balance and stability. There is also an option of a physiotherapist who can help with these exercises. If they do these exercises daily, it will help increase their mobility.
• Use aids that help with mobility: There are many mobility aids available on the market that can help your loved one. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, knee scooters, and canes. Look at these devices and see which one works best for them. Once you have chosen a mobility aid, make sure your loved one knows how to use it or have someone available to help them with it.
• Do home modifications and alterations if needed: If your loved one has issues with walking or they are dependent on a mobility aid, this is a good time to consider modifications inside their home. This could include installing ramps and shower or bathtub modifications, lowering the countertops, and moving their bedroom to the ground floor.
• Look for senior home care services: If your loved one has mobility issues, it may be helpful to find a senior home care provider for them who can help them with bathing, toileting, household chores, and companionship. They will also monitor their condition and help them if they are experiencing other issues such as cognitive changes including dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Professional Senior Care Services

If you have a senior loved one facing mobility challenges and could benefit from home health care, consider contacting Assisting Hands of Las Vegas, Nevada. Our comprehensive senior care services are tailored to meet individual needs. Our skilled caregivers strive to ensure your loved one remains comfortably at home for as long as possible. You can rest easy knowing our caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured, providing quality care in the home of your loved ones.

For more information on senior care services in Las Vegas, Nevada, call us at (725) 696-9942.