If your senior parent is aging in place they will most likely have some mobility challenges as they get older. Even seniors who were fairly active when they were younger can find it difficult to get around when they get older. Injuries, medical conditions, and just general aging can result in a lot of different conditions that can impact your senior parent’s ability to safely get around by themselves.

In-home care can help. If your senior parent is having trouble keeping up with housework or getting around the house safely home care can provide assistance with everything from cooking meals and light housework to helping your senior parent avoid falling at home.

You may notice that your senior parent has one or more of these common mobility issues that affect seniors as they get older. If your senior parent is slowing down, falling more, or having trouble safely getting around they could benefit from in-home care. The most common mobility issues that impact seniors are:

Trouble Navigating Stairs Safely

Getting up and down stairs can become more difficult for seniors because of issues like arthritis, hip problems, knee injuries or replacements, and balance issues. Stairs can be very dangerous for seniors. If your senior has a two-story home they should have a care provider that can help them safely get up and down the stairs. It’s especially important for seniors to have help navigating the stairs in the morning when they are not quite awake.

Stumbling

Seniors may stumble as they walk around the house for many different reasons. Slippery floors, area rugs that fold and crease, shoes that don’t fit right, and clutter on the floor are just a few reasons. But they also may be stumbling because they don’t have good muscle strength, they are experiencing low vision, or they have issues with their balance because of their medications.

Lack Of Flexibility

Arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions can limit a senior’s range of motion and make it difficult for them to physically lift their feet when they walk. Seniors who have Parkinson’s usually develop the “Parkinson’s shuffle” as one of the symptoms of the disease. Exercises designed to improve flexibility can sometimes help seniors move more easily.

Gait Instability

Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or peripheral neuropathy can affect walking ability and balance in seniors. If your senior has suffered from a stroke gait instability may be temporary and could get better with occupational therapy or physical therapy. Seniors who have diabetes and have peripheral neuropathy should discuss potential treatment for their neuropathy with their doctor. Improving the neuropathy can make it easier for your senior parent to get around.

Household Hazards

Clutter, poor lighting, loose rugs, and slippery floors can increase the risk of falls and other accidents at home. Loose cords can cause seniors to trip and fall. So can uneven floors, raised thresh holds, and other issues in the home. An in-home care provider can help pick up clutter around the house. They can also make sure there are not items on the floor that could cause your senior parent to trip.

If You Or An Aging Loved One is Considering In-Home Care in Northglenn, CO, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 720-780-7755.