How To Support Seniors With Limited Mobility At Home

Recent research suggests that mobility limitations are becoming more prevalent among older adults, affecting nearly 35 percent of people 70 and older. Living with limited mobility is challenging, and having a supportive person to help navigate this transition can greatly impact your aging loved ones’ well-being and quality of life.

What Causes Mobility Limitations?

Mobility limitations can arise in seniors for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common causes include arthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness from aging, and chronic pain.

Tips For Supporting Seniors With Limited Mobility

If you have a senior in your life who has limited mobility, consider these tips for supporting them on their mobility journey.

Assist With Home Modifications

Home modifications are likely one of the primary things your loved one will need help with if they have a mobility limitation. Home modifications include lots of tasks, both small and large. Every person’s home modification needs are going to differ depending on their mobility. A few common modifications that most individuals benefit from include:

• Grab bars: Install grab bars in areas where your loved one frequently moves from a sitting to a standing position, such as around in the bathroom by their tub or toilet or by their favorite armchair.
• Clear walkways: Even the steadiest person on their feet will have trouble navigating cluttered spaces. Keep walkways free of clutter, reduce unnecessary objects around the home like unused furniture, secure or remove rugs, and make sure cords are neatly tucked away or consolidated into cord organizers.
• Reorganization: Move your loved ones’ most used items to easily accessible places, such as on a lower shelf or on the first floor of the home.
• Lever handles: Circular door handles can be difficult to grip and twist for individuals with arthritis or hand pain. Lever handles that you can push down to open are specifically designed for people with mobility challenges. Help your loved one switch out their round handles for lever ones to give them greater independence in their own home.

Help Them Find Mobility Devices

A mobility device is anything that your loved one can use to help them move more easily. Popular mobility devices include canes, walkers, or motorized scooters. You can find lots of great options at Mobility City, including motorized chairs, ramps, and stair lifts.

Encourage Daily Movement

Evidence shows that 50 minutes of moderate physical activity in seniors with mobility limitations can improve mobility. This improvement in mobility is because exercise and movement strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, making it easier for seniors to move.

Moderate activities raise the heart rate, but they aren’t so hard that you are out of breath. Great moderate activities for seniors can include walks, water aerobics, or cycling on a stationary bike. Sometimes, even basic daily activities like housework or shopping can count as moderate activity.

Lend An Ear

Sometimes, being present and listening to someone during a challenging time can make a huge difference. When you have limited mobility, it can be difficult to leave the house, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy activities as you once did. Having a reliable person to spend time with while going through a difficult time can improve your emotional and mental health.

Work With An Occupational Therapist

Depending on the cause of mobility limitation for your loved one, they may benefit from working with an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists are medical professionals who help people build the strength and dexterity to complete everyday tasks. Attending a session with your loved one can help you learn specific exercises that you can perform with your loved one to improve their mobility.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

Mobility assistance is one of the many services Visiting Angels caregivers offer through our at-home care services. Our caregivers help clients move safely around the home and handle basic household tasks, like cooking or cleaning, that may be difficult for clients with limited mobility. Caregivers can also provide mediation reminders, bathroom assistance, and local transportation to doctor’s appointments.

Contact us to learn more about at-home care services with Visiting Angels.