Home Instead Senior Care Offers Tips for Safety and Mobility
OMAHA, Neb. (PRWEB) May 24, 2018 -- As people age, mobility can become a challenge, preventing them from staying safe and independent at home. Research by Home Instead Senior Care found that 74 percent of seniors 65 and older find staying physically active is a major challenge, and that 90 percent reported their number one fear is loss of independence. May is National Mobility Awareness Month, and Home Instead Senior Care, the nation’s leading provider of in-home senior care, reminds family caregivers of the importance of safety and mobility for older adults.
“Staying physically active is vital to healthy aging in many ways- improving mobility is just one of them.” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. “As people age, mobility issues can impact everything from safety at home to the ability to complete simple errands. With a few easy tips, older adults can stay safe and maintain their independence.”
To help older adults stay physically active and address mobility challenges, Home Instead Senior Care recommends the following:
• Plan early. Whether you’re traveling near or far, having a plan, and backup plan, is important. In fact, older adults with or without mobility challenges should always plan ahead. Try to avoid destinations with uneven pavement, steep hills and stairs. Research each of your destinations to avoid these hurdles and enjoy a safe trip.
• Find alternative ways to complete tasks. It might be challenging for older adults to leave the house and complete simple tasks like grocery shopping. Instead of giving them up, older adults can use online resources to purchase products online. A CAREGiverSM can also help with light housework and errands, and help older adults feel a sense of independence without leaving the safety of their home.
• Exercise regularly. To improve and maintain physical health, stay active. Even doing simple exercises, such as making circles with scarves or arm exercises with a beach ball, can make a big difference. Caregivers can even participate in the activity with their loved one. For more physical activity ideas, check out additional resources.
• Practice vehicle safety. It can be challenging for an older adult who is confined to a wheelchair to travel. Facts like vehicle weight and who to call if your vehicle breaks down are important to know before going on a long drive. Something as small as the ability to enter or exit the vehicle with ease and comfort can go a long way in making a senior feel independent.
For more information on senior safety and mobility, visit https://www.caregiverstress.com/fitness-nutrition/get-mom-moving/.
ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 60 million hours of care throughout the United States and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 70,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network partners with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.
Dan Wieberg, Home Instead Senior Care, +1 (402) 575-5970, [email protected]
Share this article