More than 6.8 million Americans who live at home use assistive devices to help with mobility. These devices include canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Though mobility scooters are perhaps the least used of these tools, they also require the least amount of effort and have proven to be helpful to seniors in many ways. Mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs in some ways, but their configurations are closer to motor scooters, and they can be particularly beneficial for aging adults who don’t have the physical stamina to use manual wheelchairs.
Prevents Serious Falls
Aging can reduce your loved one’s strength and cause him or her to have an increased risk of falling and sustaining serious injuries. According to the National Safety Council, falls remain the number one cause of injury-related deaths among adults over the age of 65. These accidents are generally the result of past injuries, muscle weakness, and health conditions that affect balance. By using a mobility scooter, your loved one’s odds of falling can be substantially reduced.
Encourages Independence
Aging is often accompanied by weaker bones, decreased mobility, and the need to depend on others for assistance. The inability to complete chores and run errands on their own can be heartbreaking for seniors who are used to a much greater level of independence. When they’re no longer able to carry out these daily tasks themselves, many seniors develop secondary emotional issues, such as depression and anxiety. Modern scooters are more ergonomic than ever and can be taken practically anywhere, with ranges of up to 25 miles on a single charge.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional Home Care Reston. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Helps During Recovery from Injuries
With age, the body replicates cells at a much slower rate, which means injuries often take longer to heal, and most of that time should be spent resting. Unlike other mobility devices that require seniors to continue putting weight on their joints, a mobility scooter is as comfortable and relaxing as a chair. With these scooters, injured seniors can perform daily tasks while they continue to heal. If your parent is recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery, a mobility scooter can give him or her the ability to move around indoors and outdoors with minimal levels of physical exertion, which can speed the healing process and prevent fatigue.
If your loved one needs help while recovering from an injury or other serious health condition, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Reston Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Provides Transportation for Socialization
The importance of social interactions for seniors can never be overstated, but mobility limitations can make it difficult for them to reach out to family members and friends. Instead of waiting for people to visit him or her at home, your loved one can use one of these scooters to get proactive about maintaining his or her social circle. Regular social interactions can reduce the risk of several conditions and disorders, ranging from Alzheimer’s to high blood pressure.
Even with the help of mobility scooters, seniors often need assistance with a variety of everyday tasks. Reston homecare 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 can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (703) 783-5758 to learn more about our customized care plans.
