5 Ways to Assist an Aging Parent Who Is Unable to Walk

Many factors lead to mobility problems for elderly people, including aging, obesity, inactivity, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Limited mobility or the permanent loss of the ability to walk doesn’t prevent older adults from living full, healthy lives. They can simplify their daily lives and base activities on their strengths. Below are some tips family caregivers can use when assisting senior loved ones who are unable to walk.

1. Use Mobility Aids

The type of device your loved one uses will depend on the severity of his or her mobility problems. If your loved one is recovering from a broken leg, he or she can utilize a mobility aid, such as crutches or a walker. However, if your parent has completely lost the ability to walk, purchase a wheelchair. There are standard wheelchairs as well as motor-operated devices seniors can choose. Mobility aids allow seniors to get around more easily without having to rely entirely on family caregivers. Caring for a senior loved one with limited mobility can be even more challenging if he or she is living with another age-related condition, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. For dementia care Des Moines families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking.

2. Make Home Improvements

Using wheelchairs and various mobility aids can be less complicated if you make significant changes to your loved one’s home. Many of these renovations are cost-efficient and straightforward. These include moving furniture around, keeping regularly used items on low tables, and purchasing items such as motor-controlled couches and beds. Consider adding ramps in the home and moving your loved one’s bedroom to the first floor to prevent him or her from needing to navigate stairs. These home improvements could help your parent maintain independence and boost his or her mental and emotional health.

3. Simplify Activities

Being unable to walk doesn’t have to prevent your loved one from getting out of the house, running errands, exercising, and enjoying fun activities. Simplify tasks and activities based on your loved one’s physical strengths. When it comes to games or chores that require standing and walking, look for chair-based projects instead. Another idea is water-based activities, which seniors with mobility problems can easily enjoy when they’re supported by the natural buoyancy of water.

4. Sign Up for Physical Therapy

If your loved one hasn’t permanently lost the ability to walk, you can take steps to boost his or her muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Speak with your loved one’s doctor and ask for recommendations for physical therapy. The physician can give you the contact information for a qualified specialist who can help your loved one regain some of the mobility he or she lost due to an accident, injury, or physical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke. A professional caregiver can help your loved one safely follow an exercise program recommended by your parent’s doctor or physical therapist. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading at-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

5. Join a Support Group

Losing the ability to walk can be depressing for older adults and increase the odds of isolation, loneliness, and a variety of mental disorders. Therefore, family caregivers need to offer their loved ones mental and emotional support as well as physical assistance. Take your parent to a support group with other people who can no longer walk. Being around individuals going through similar situations may ease your loved one’s mind and make life less stressful for him or her and your family.  Trained caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with mobility limitations can be a fantastic resource for family caregivers. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare, Des Moines, IA, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (515) 264-2438 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.