A person who has mobility issues indeed has their challenges, but with a support system and home modifications, they can still enjoy their daily lives and take care of everyday tasks.
A person who has mobility issues indeed has their challenges, but with a support system and home modifications, they can still enjoy their daily lives and take care of everyday tasks. When you care for anyone experiencing mobility issues, it takes compassion, patience, and selflessness. Here are five tips on caring for a loved one who may not move around with the same speed or agility as they once did.
Keep the House Clutter-Free
Sometimes those with mobility issues have to use a wheelchair or walker to move around. They may also rely on devices such as wheelchair lifts or stairlifts to make navigation easier and safer. While a stairlift or wheelchair lift will stop if it detects an object due to the safeties on them, you should still strive to keep the house clean or help a loved one clean to prevent slips, falls, and injuries. Remove area rugs, and keep cords from running across walkways and ensure all spaces have enough clearance to walk around by keeping furniture in the corner.
Organize The Home to Aid in Accessibility
Take the time to study your loved one’s routine. Observe the things that they often reach for and ensure that they are always able to grab them. These things could include toothpaste, towels, paper towels, and remote controls. You should also assess if it’s easy for your loved one to turn on a light switch, wash their hands, or execute any other everyday tasks.
Learn How to Lift Your Loved One
You may need to help your family member or friend get in and out of a chair or a bed. With that in mind, you should know the proper lifting techniques to avoid injury to yourself and them. Keep your head aligned with your spine, bend at your knees, and never twist your body. You should also advise your loved ones to place their arms around your neck for more security.
Encourage Loved Ones with Mobility Issues to Have Personal Interests
Everyone should enjoy their free time. There is plenty of fun and enjoyable activities that don’t involve having the best mobility. Activities such as reading, drawing, card games, and knitting keep the mind agile. If your family member or friend has expressed that they are sad about the sudden change in how they move around, serve as a sounding board and help them find an appropriate emotional outlet.
Talk to Your Loved One About Our Products
All of our residential products are viable solutions for helping people gain back their independence. If you believe that a stairlift, wheelchair lift, residential elevator or dumbwaiter, could make a difference, tell your family member or friend to give us a call for a free estimate. There are many resources to minimize the costs associated with home modifications. Finally, remember to take care of yourself in the process of taking care of others!
Preferred Elevator: We’re On the Up and Up!
For over a decade, Preferred Elevator has served residents in Central Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. You can rely on our experienced home installation team and quality products.
For our commercial elevator clients, we also provide annual inspections of your equipment to adhere to standards established by the state of Maryland. During these inspections, we make sure that your commercial mobility product is functioning correctly and efficiently. We’ll also go over all safety devices and customized features offered within your plan!
Get in touch with us! Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8 am -5 pm. Reach us by phone at 410-238-2555, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
