Limited mobility can be difficult to manage. It may affect seniors in a variety of ways, from making daily activities more challenging to causing feelings of isolation. Here are a few of the top causes of mobility loss and the best ways to prevent this condition.
Injuries
As people age, slips and falls can take a greater toll on the body. This is because the muscles and bones weaken with age and are more susceptible to injury. A broken bone can leave a senior with severely reduced mobility. To prevent injuries, seniors should take the necessary precautions. For example, they could try outfitting their homes with grab bars and nonslip surfaces.
Seniors with limited mobility often need assistance with managing daily tasks. Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers may help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common condition among the elderly, and it’s one of the leading causes of mobility loss. It develops when the cartilage that provides cushion to the joints wears down. The joints become inflamed, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. This pain can occur throughout the body, from the hands to the knees. When it affects the lower part of the body, mobility is also affected.
For seniors who already have this condition, there are a variety of treatments, including joint replacement surgery, medications, and supervised exercise. Seniors who want to prevent osteoarthritis should do low-impact exercises, control their blood sugar levels, and get an appropriate amount of sleep.
If arthritis symptoms are making daily tasks more challenging for your loved one, consider hiring a caregiver. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the home care service experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Neuropathy
One of the common symptoms of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy. When seniors have this condition, they may experience muscle weakness, cramping, and muted reflexes. This muscular atrophy can make walking difficult.
For seniors who have neuropathy, there are several treatments available. First of all, they should try to make healthy lifestyle choices, ranging from correcting vitamin deficiencies to getting an appropriate amount of exercise. It’s also important to control blood glucose levels. There are a variety of prescription drugs that may be used to manage the symptoms of neuropathy. Immunosuppressive drugs may control inflammation levels, and doses of immunoglobulin may help seniors maintain healthy immune systems.
Heart Conditions
Seniors with heart conditions are more prone to dizziness. When walking a short distance leaves them feeling short of breath and lightheaded, it can discourage them from being active. After a period of disuse, a senior’s body becomes less flexible, less powerful, and less mobile. To combat cardiovascular conditions, seniors should maintain a healthy weight, eat a low-fat diet, and give up smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. By boosting their overall cardiovascular health, seniors may regain their mobility.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs assistance with mobility or managing daily tasks. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Northern Kentucky home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they may focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky is here to help. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (859)-444-5699.
