Showing all posts tagged mobility

In Health and Exercise

How To Make Life Easier With Mobility Issues

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
How To Make Life Easier With Mobility Issues

Mobility issues can make everyday tasks such as shopping or even going to the toilet more challenging. Many people start to experience mobility issues later in life and may at first refuse to accept that there is a problem. However, by accepting these issues, you can take steps to make life easier and less stressful. Here are just several ways to cope more easily with mobility issues.

Invest in the Right Equipment

There are all kinds of equipment that could help to make getting around easier. This includes wheelchairs, electric scooters and electric bicycles. Such equipment could help you get from A to B more quickly rather than relying on walking – and it will likely be a lot more comfortable experience.

Make Modifications to Your Home

If you have trouble getting around your home, consider whether there are modifications that you can make to the building to make it easier to get around. Such modifications could be an alternative to having to move. Examples include walk-in showers to make showering easier, ramps in replacement of steps and stairlifts to help get up staircases. There may be grants you can apply to that pay for these modifications.

Handle Tasks Remotely Online

When it comes to tasks like shopping or visiting the bank, consider whether there are options to do this remotely using the internet. On days when you don’t feel like trekking into town, the internet could be a convenient alternative. Nowadays, you can buy your groceries online, cash cheques and even carry out virtual appointments with doctors. It’s worth looking into your options so that you’re not as restricted.

Accept Help from Friends and Loved Ones

Many of us stubbornly try to hold onto our independence as we start to develop mobility issues, but there are times when this can hold us back. If you are no longer able to drive for instance and you need to travel to another town, don’t be afraid to ask friends and relatives for a lift rather than having to negotiate public transport. Friends and family may even be able to drive you to social events so that you’re still getting to spend time with people. On top of this, there could be times when friends and family can pick up items for you or help you do your shopping. There could even be jobs around the house that they can help you with. 

 

It’s so important to remember that mobility issues aren’t just something that affects the elderly; far from it. Regardless of your age, you can make life easier with mobility issues if you get creative.

In Health and Exercise

Independence For The Elderly

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
Independence For The Elderly

As your parents or any older relatives become older, they can face health issues which prove to threaten their independence. When you love and respect your parents it can be difficult to watch this happen, especially when they were once so independent and lived their own lives, on their own terms. However, health issues or not, there are some things that you can do to help them maintain this, and allow them to have autonomy over the way that they live. Here are some things that you can do to help promote independence for the elderly.

Listen to What They Want

Unfortunately, some people deny the elderly their independence simply by not listening to what their wants and needs are. Even when facing the difficulties that come with dementia and Alzheimers, your parents are likely to make it clear what they require. Sometimes, you just need to listen a little closer or ask them questions when they’re having a good (or better) day. Patience is key and listening is just as important.

Independence For The Elderly: Make Their Homes Safe

More often than not, elderly people want to stay in the comfort of their own homes. In fact, leaving these homes can be quite distressing, especially if this is where they have so many memories of your family’s time together. Do all that you can, then, to make their homes safe to live in so that they have as much autonomy as possible. Installing a stairlift is a great help here, and there are many other options, too.

Look Into Live-in Carers and Visiting Carers

Most people can access care from their homes, and if you’d prefer to ensure that your parents or other family members are safe at all times then you can look into live-in care, too. This will help to put your mind at ease, but if you want to assess the other options available then visiting care is also worth considering. This takes a little bit of the strain off your family, whilst still allowing your parents their independence at home.

Independence For The Elderly: Consider a Personal Alarm

When you’re helping someone to maintain their independence, it most likely means that they’re going to be alone at some point. To make sure that they’re safe and to make you feel secure in the fact that they’re OK, why not get them personal alarms? If anything happens – for example, if they fall over – they can be connected with you in an instant, so that they can get the help and support they really need.

Install a Key Safe

A key safe is vital if you want to support your parents whilst they live at home, and they’re pretty affordable, too. Getting one of these installed means that you can get into the house if they aren’t responding, or there is an emergency situation. On top of this, you can let yourself in, which is ideal if your parents struggle from limited mobility or any other issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to get a key safe installed.

These are just a few things to consider promoting independence for the elderly. Speak to relevant healthcare and community group for further localised support on practical help and support for yourself. Being a carer, even part-time, is a big job.

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