Millions of people in the UK experience mobility problems on some level. They will receive varying levels of care and treatment.
These challenges are more likely to be experienced in the elderly population. Moreover, it is perhaps more common for them to receive inadequate care, as many people chalk up their experiences to simply ‘getting old’ and resign them to fate. Unfortunately, some may even forget about seniors entirely.
Still, if you have elderly loved ones with mobility problems, then you’ll be aware that there can be a rocky road ahead. Providing support can be challenging too, and there are multiple things to consider before taking on that kind of role in a person’s life.
We’ve listed some tips to help you look after your elderly loved ones if they have mobility problems.
Get Informed
When it comes to supporting someone with any type of health problem, the last thing you can do is rely on hearsay. Friends and family may claim that an array of treatment options work, but in the end, there’s only one type of person you can trust on these matters; qualified medical health professionals.
If you anticipate that you’ll need to support someone with mobility problems, try to engage with credible resources, such as the NHS’ online literature. That way, you can be certain that you’re sourcing reliable, peer-reviewed information straight from the experts. For example, they can discuss which walking aids the reader might need and go through any relevant costs too.
Once you’ve read these materials alone, consider re-reading them with the loved one you’re supporting too. That way, you can discuss and debate your findings together and come to an agreement about which options seem most promising to explore. Doing this also communicates that you’re willing to learn about their challenges, which may strengthen the rapport you share.
Make Changes to the Home
Things like stairlifts, ramps, and widened doorways can be common additions. Lowered kitchen worktops and intercom systems can be useful for some too. Anything that makes life easier for them is a worthwhile addition. It’s also crucial to think about their safety, especially if they’re at risk of falling. Having access to a helpline for seniors who fall can provide immediate support in an emergency. Whether it’s offering reassurance over the phone or dispatching help quickly, these services can make a real difference, ensuring your loved one receives assistance when they need it most.
You could even consider an air flow mattress from NHC Group. They are specially designed for people with mobility issues, offering better comfort for those who spend a lot of time in bed. They’re also referred to as pressure-relieving mattresses, so if the person you’re looking after constantly feels achy and sore, this will help them to relax and find respite.
Keep Attending Important Appointments
Some mobility problems need to be monitored by medical health professionals at regular intervals. Though certain conditions can’t be cured, things like pain factors can be mitigated. Doctors may also be able to identify if things are potentially getting worse.
Your elderly loved one may feel a sense of futility around their health problems. However, it’s important to remain resolute all the same. Try to attend all of their medical appointments with them. Be great company and a good source of moral support, and these trips could perhaps be made easier for them due to your efforts.
Think about the little things during these visits too. Laughing and joking around in the car or waiting room may bring some levity to the situation. Perhaps before or after, you could go out for a meal together, too, or stop by at a place your loved one would like to visit? Create little opportunities that your elderly loved one can look forward to around these appointments, and they may be viewed differently.
Think About Mental Ramifications
Whether your elderly loved one has had mobility problems since birth or has experienced them more recently, there’s a strong likelihood that their physical challenges affect their mental well-being too. Sensitivity is needed in these circumstances because these types of problems often go undetected.
While you may wish to study up on everything they’re facing, one of the best ways to learn about your elderly loved ones is to engage them directly. Prioritise being a good listener instead of overwhelming them with your perceived solutions to each of their problems. Sometimes, people need to vent and get things off their chest, and you should try to embrace that as much as you’re able to.
Additionally, if your elderly loved one needs physiotherapy sessions, their motivation and concentration levels matter enormously. If they’re depressed or even half-hearted about these efforts, then they won’t get the best out of these sessions, and their recovery may suffer for it. Working through these problems is integral to their progress.
Consider Alternative Caring Services
If you know an elder with mobility problems, you may be considering whether or not they should go live in elderly care. This is a big decision, but it can be the right choice for many people. Care facilities offer seniors a variety of benefits, including socialisation, assistance with activities of daily living, and access to medical care.
Endeavour to Stay Active
Of course, it’s also worth remembering that a good quality of life can still be enjoyed, even when mobility challenges are present. Breaks might surely be needed, but you and your elderly loved one should try to be active as much as possible too.
Try to remind your loved one that classes are available for seniors who’re trying to stay active and that it could be a new way to meet like-minded others. Sensitivity and tact will be required here, depending on the nature of their mobility issues. Still, new friendships could be made in these environments, giving them a new lease on life alongside their exercise.
Committing to a schedule is important here. Rest periods must also be allocated, as exercising can do more harm than good when needing a breather. Communicate throughout any exercise routine you do, and ensure that boundaries are respected. Remember, the goal is to stay active, not reach peak physical fitness, so the bar is quite low here.
Look After Yourself
Putting someone else’s needs before your own isn’t easy. Even if you have the most powerful sense of loyalty to someone possible, it’s still a very demanding lifestyle to lead. Constant selflessness can be taxing on your mind, body, and your general lifestyle.
It’s important to look after yourself during these difficult times. Of course, you may not feel comfortable airing these concerns to your elderly loved one, as they may feel responsible for your struggles. Still, that doesn’t mean you need to experience these challenging feelings alone.
You can see a therapist to air any concerns that you might have. Approach each session as a chance to make more sense of the situation, and heed any guidance they might offer. The more open you are, the more you’ll likely get out of these meetings.
Additionally, it might be a good idea to have a rota system in place with someone else that you and your loved one trust. That way, all the caring responsibilities are not falling squarely on your shoulders, and you can have time in your life for other things. In the end, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Conclusion
When looking after an elderly loved one with mobility issues, there are many things to think about. In many cases, their lifestyles can be wholly unique, so it’s important to try and anticipate their physical, mental, and emotional needs wherever possible. Big and small gestures matter too, from adapting their homes to simply being good company when in their presence. So long as you’re committed, you can help your friend or family member secure a great quality of life.
