Common Mobility Aids for Seniors Aging in Place
Mobility aids are devices that help people with mobility impairments to move around more easily and safely. They include a wide range of products, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. For seniors who want to age in place, mobility aids can make a significant difference in their quality of life by allowing them to stay independent, stay active, and move around their homes and communities with greater ease.
One of the main benefits of mobility aids is that they help seniors maintain their independence by reducing their reliance on caregivers or family members for assistance with everyday tasks. Here are some aids that can help with everyday tasks:
Walkers and Canes
Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies in the United States from a fall, according to the National Council on Aging. The good news is that by taking a few easy steps, like keeping a cane or walker on hand, you can provide your loved one the independence they so desperately want while also protecting them from potential injury.
Both the cane and the walker are currently the most widely available on the market. In fact, canes are sold in a number of local drugstores like Walgreens and CVS. For your loved one, these affordable tools can make all the difference in the world, allowing them to move around more efficiently and comfortably.
Over time, walkers and canes can also help reduce both balance issues and lower body pain, while improving posture. Make sure your loved one is using a cane or walker that is set to the proper height for their comfort and safety.
Wheelchairs and Scooters
A motorized wheelchair can assist a loved one who has serious impairments, such as paralysis or weakness in the lower body. When compared to a traditional wheelchair, these are much lighter and easier to maneuver around the house.
When it comes to aging in place, a scooter can be a better option if your loved one doesn’t frequently require a wheelchair. These can be taken outdoors for a stroll or to navigate a store more easily.
Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds offer another way to help your loved one when they’re aging in place. Traditional hospital beds are a thing of the past. In order to help your loved one with chronic pain get a better night’s sleep, there are now a variety of more luxurious styles available.
Most importantly, however, an adjustable bed will make it much easier to get in and out of bed. If you’re worried about your loved one falling out of bed at night, you can also add side rails. Additionally, an adjustable bed will make reading and watching television more comfortable.
Some mobility aids aren’t made to enable long-distance motion. Instead, they encourage independence with some tasks and make the home environment safer. These include:
- Rails along stairs, near bathroom fixtures, in hallways, etc.
- Tub/bath transfer seats or benches
- Supportive seat cushions
- Grab handles for getting in/out of a car, bed, couch, or chair
- Rolling over-bed or over-couch tables
- Additional lighting or voice command lighting to improve visibility
- Non-slip flooring that is securely tacked down
Mobility aids also help seniors to stay active, which is important for maintaining their physical and mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Mobility aids can make it easier for seniors to engage in physical activity by reducing the strain on their joints and muscles.
Helping Your Loved One Age in Place
Consult the physician of your loved one before making any of these mobility aid purchases to be sure you’re making the best decisions and getting the most useful tools. To find out what is covered by their insurance plan and to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, you should also contact their insurance provider. Mobility devices that are prescribed by a doctor are frequently covered by Medicare Part B and Medicaid.
Be sympathetic and make an effort to listen if your loved one is having trouble accepting utilizing a mobility aid. Allow them to talk about their concerns and the reasons they’re hesitant. Recognize that they struggle with accepting their aging and the need for additional assistance.
How Thrive USA Home Care Can Help
With their assistance, seniors can age in place safely and comfortably. A caregiver who can help your loved one in several ways can be worth considering. Thrive USA Home Care offers non-medical assistance, such as assistance with household mobility. Additionally, we can provide transportation for errands and to and from appointments.
A professional caregiver can offer company and conversation in addition to the physical support needed to age in place. If your loved one lives alone and feels isolated this could be really important.
However, by delivering emotional and social support, combined with physical assistance, a professional caregiver can open the world back up to your loved one. They’ll be safer and happy, aging in place with as much independence as possible.
Are you interested in talking to a professional about helping a loved one with aging in place, so they can remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible? Contact Thrive USA Home Care today.