As seniors age, they often find it difficult to move around as it once was. Loss of mobility can be problematic because it makes it difficult to retain independence and increases the risk of having a dangerous fall. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage the common causes of mobility loss seniors experience. Recognizing the following five causes of mobility loss may make it easier for family caregivers to address the issue.
1. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes bones to become so weak and degraded that they can break in even minor accidents. Even seniors with osteoporosis who don’t have broken bones tend to shuffle or hunch because deteriorating spine bones make it difficult to remain upright. Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women, so doctors may recommend hormonal treatments that reduce bone density loss. It’s also important for seniors to consume enough calcium and vitamin D to keep the bones strong.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Ambience In-Home Care, a trusted provider of Ambience homecare. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a type of central nervous system disorder that makes it difficult for the body to control muscles. Seniors often experience tremors or muscular stiffness that affects the way they walk, talk, or perform other daily activities. Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, but medications that increase dopamine concentrations in the brain may ease the symptoms.
3. Cognitive Decline
Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s typically leave a senior’s physical health intact, but they can still cause many challenges with mobility. Seniors often get disoriented and experience issues with visual-spatial awareness. They might lose the ability to navigate stairs, avoid tripping hazards, and perform fine motor skills like eating or writing. Managing these issues requires caregivers to take preventative steps that keep seniors from hurting themselves.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Ambience families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
4. Neuromuscular Disorders
Neuromuscular disorders can result in degenerating muscles and nerve tissues that leave seniors unable to move normally. With conditions like multiple sclerosis and ataxia, seniors often experience sudden feelings of weakness and an inability to move as desired. Treatments for these disorders might include reducing stress and taking medications to slow the progression of the disease. Walkers, canes, or braces can further increase mobility.
5. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of joint inflammation that occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones reduces. It makes joints swell, stiffen, hurt, or lock into place. There are many methods for managing joint pain and immobility related to osteoarthritis. Make sure to talk to your loved one’s doctor about potential physical therapies, medications, or surgeries. Your loved one can also use home remedies and embrace lifestyle changes, including losing weight, applying warm compresses, and wearing braces, to increase mobility.
Mobility loss can be a major concern for seniors, and they might require extra help to perform daily tasks. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Ambience In-Home Care is a leading Ambience home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. Get in touch with us today at (469) 573-4213 to schedule an in-home consultation.