Seniors with limited mobility can be tough to care for. Not only are they hindered by their issues, but they also struggle with mental problems due to their disability. But the truth is that carers should not feel powerless to help. There are plenty of aids that seniors can use or services to resort to, such as live-in care. In general, there are a lot of good strategies that carers should employ when caring for seniors with mobility problems. Here are some of them. 

Make sure the main pathways in the home are clear
If your loved one is moving around with a cane, a walker or perhaps a wheelchair, they rely on their device to help them retain balance and keep them on the go. However, any clutter can make it very difficult for them to move around or even cause them to fall if they are not careful. If a hallway or room is cluttered with furniture, a wheelchair can be too wide to move across. You should take your loved one for a walk in different parts of the home and see if anything is getting in the way of safe and free movement. You can make the necessary adjustments to furniture items and room layouts and remove clutter from the more problematic areas. 

Practice your lifting strategies
In certain situations; you will need to aid your loved one in moving from one area to another. For example, it could be getting them out and placing them in a wheelchair. It is a good idea always to encourage them to do as much of the movement on their own as they can. It will help them retain some sense of independence. If you have to lift them, use a technique that will not jeopardise your back. Involve your leg muscles more. If possible, get someone else to help you, such as a live-in carer or another family member. 

Make any daily necessities easier to access

With mobility issues; your loved one may find it almost impossible to do tasks such as reaching for high areas and picking up items from a lower drawer. Finding new spots for things they will need throughout the day is a good idea. Perhaps you will find out that they can do more tasks independently if you accommodate the required tools and make everything they need easier to reach and store at the right height. 

Preserve their current ability by helping them stay active

One of the best ways for your loved one to maintain some level of independence is to help them stay active. You should ask their physician for a set of light exercises that you can help the person with mobility problems do. The main emphasis should be on safety and ease of movement. Sometimes even simple stretching exercises can be perfect for the person. 

Consider their emotional and social needs
Without a doubt, your loved one’s focus is on their physical condition, and it can sometimes be challenging to think about their emotional health. Reach out to them and see what support you can offer to ease the problem. Any physical issue often leads to cutting social ties and depression, and mental problems. 

Always remember these tips when caring for a loved one with physical disabilities or movement problems. They can make a world of difference. 

© Home Care Preferred Exeter

As old age approaches, people tend to experience symptoms of reduced mobility. Even if it is not a direct result of an injury or other health condition, age alone means that individuals will not be able to do the things that were trivial to them previously. Bending from the waist, walking, manual dexterity, and balance are all things that will wane with age. 

If you are caring for such a person, you will wonder what activities are suitable for seniors in this position. As it turns out, you don’t need to worry too much because there are plenty of activities you can help them engage in: 

• Arts and crafts – creative thinking is required to keep one’s mind sharp, even for seniors. Many experiences mental fatigue symptoms, especially if they develop certain conditions, like dementia. Arts and crafts can be a perfect activity for them, as it provides a mental stimulus. On top of that, it also keeps the hands busy and exercises their hand muscles. You can help the senior engage in various activities – knitting, drawing, making quilts, origami, etc. Such activities are enjoyable and refreshing for seniors, and you will love them too. 
  
  
• Chair yoga – among the many benefits of yoga is improving overall health and mental wellbeing. It improves flexibility and strength, allowing people to concentrate better. In seniors, it can also benefit from reduced joint pain, which is a struggle many of them have. A senior can do some very simple positions while sitting in a chair – raised hands, candle pose, seated spinal twist, etc. It is essential to show them and engage with them during the activity. 
  
  
• Exercise – Physical exercise is not necessarily related to going to the gym or any other place outdoors. Even seniors with limited mobility can and should engage in physical activity indoors, as long as it is well-suited to their ability. Even slight leg and arm movements can be very beneficial for maintaining mobility in those areas. Some chair exercises can further boost agility and strength. 
  
  
• Indoor games – just because the senior cannot go outdoors doesn’t mean there is nothing fun to do indoors. Charades, Bingo, card games and board games are great examples of fun games to incorporate into their daily routine. Such games are not only a fun way to pass the time, but they can be very mentally stimulating without being too demanding. Besides, it is a great way to spend time with your loved ones. 
  
  
• Reading – one of the best activities for seniors with limited mobility but unhindered eyesight is reading. Not only does it reduce stress and keep the brain engaged, but it can also help with concentration and memory. There are also ways to engage a senior without them reading directly, such as audiobooks. 
  
  
• In-house gardening – this sort of activity can have a natural positive effect on seniors, even if it means you must do some of the work yourself. You can still engage them by asking them what indoor plants they would love, allowing them to choose the pots. If the plants are close, they can be responsible for watering them and ensuring they are well-tended. 
  
  

There are plenty of activities that you can engage with a senior indoors, even if they have difficulties moving about. It is all about being creative and choosing something that they will love. 

© Home Care Preferred Devon