One of every five seniors over the age of 65 develops limited mobility. Seniors with limited mobility often need help when leaving the home, getting ready for the day, and running basic errands. Without help, many seniors might become isolated in their homes. Preventing some of the causes of limited mobility may decrease your senior loved one’s risk of experiencing these kinds of issues.
Obesity
When someone is obese, the fat can infiltrate muscle tissue, making it difficult to move. Limited movement can cause seniors to gain weight, as they don’t burn excess calories, which can cause movement to be further limited. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and drinking plenty of water can help your loved one maintain a healthy weight.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare nutritious meals and exercise safely. Home care service 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.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes painful inflammation in the joints and connective tissues. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the elderly. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia are also very common. Arthritis can make movement extremely painful, causing seniors to limit their movements.
Obesity, joint injuries, smoking, and infection increase the risk of developing arthritis. Physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications may decrease arthritis symptoms.
Accidents & Injuries
Falls are a serious concern for the elderly because they can often result in head injuries or bone fractures. More than 800,000 seniors are hospitalized each year due to falls. Broken bones might cause seniors to be bedbound while healing. As it can take a longer time for seniors to heal, these injuries may lead to muscle loss, which can limit their mobility in the long term. Removing tripping hazards, such as loose rugs and furniture in walkways, can prevent your loved one from falling.
Car accidents can also cause serious injuries that limit mobility. If your loved one still drives, continually assess his or her driving ability to decrease the risk of being in an accident.
Stroke
When a blood clot makes its way to the brain, it cuts off blood flow, which can damage the parts of the brain that regulate movement. Many people have weakness or loss of function on one side of the body after a stroke. Though physical therapy can restore some of this function, many seniors still experience loss of movement.
Monitoring blood pressure levels can lower the risk of a stroke. Encourage your loved one to stay at a healthy weight, reduce salt intake, and take blood pressure medications (if the doctor has prescribed them) to maintain stable blood pressure levels.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Reston, VA, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms typically begin gradually with tremors and muscle weakness. As the disease progresses, seniors experience severe stiffness and loss of movement. Though there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, physical therapy and medication can help seniors retain movement for a longer time.
Families looking for top-rated Reston home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Specialists today.
