Benjamin Franklin certainly had it right: An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to discovering and addressing mobility issues in seniors, prevention is a must. According to the CDC, senior falls account for 3 million emergency room visits, 300,000 hip fractures, and 32,000 deaths every year.
Keep a senior you love safe by staying aware of these warning signs of increasing mobility issues in seniors:
Struggling to sit or stand. Notice if the senior finds it challenging to either stand up from a seated position or to sit back down. Do they require something to hold onto for support?
Experiencing dizziness. Dizziness and difficulties with balance can develop from an array of factors that ultimately cause problems with mobility. It is important to uncover why these issues are occurring and attend to them as soon as possible.
Steering clear of stairs. A senior who seems to be getting around just fine but is avoiding going up or down stairs could be fearful of falling as a result of mobility changes.
Skipping physical activity. Another red flag is a senior who previously participated in some degree of exercise but now is choosing a more sedentary lifestyle. Weakness or exhaustion can lead to difficulties with mobility.
A simple and effective way to evaluate fall risk and mobility issues in seniors is the TUG (Timed Up and Go) test. The test should be performed on a consistent basis. Here is all it will require:
Place a sturdy chair up against the wall.
Mark a distance of 10’ from the wall.
Have your loved one sit in the chair.
When you tell them to go, start a timer, and have the person stand, walk towards the ten foot mark, turn around, come back and sit down again.
Take special care and stand nearby while the senior performs this test to provide support if necessary. Track the results over a period of time and share with the person’s doctor for guidance. Find additional information on the test in addition to a downloadable one-page evaluation sheet.
In the event that you pick up on some of these signs, it’s time to have a frank conversation with the senior. Explain to the senior you love that you are concerned, and schedule an appointment for a check-up with the physician. The utilization of some simple mobility aids can help with maintaining independence and safety.
Contact The Care Company online for additional fall prevention strategies for seniors and to learn about the countless ways our elderly care in Toronto and the nearby areas can improve quality of life for a senior you love.
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