How To Help Your Aging Parent With Mobility Devices
For adult children, it is hard to watch parents age and have difficulties with mobility. Since falls cause serious injuries for seniors, it often becomes necessary for aging parents to use mobility devices. However, for both the person using the device as well as the adult child who may be trying to decide which device would best serve their parent’s needs, knowing what to choose can be difficult. If you want to help your aging parent with mobility devices, here are some ways to make things much easier.
If your parents have trouble walking, getting them a scooter can quickly erase many mobility issues they may be facing. Offering plenty of room on which to sit, most scooters geared for seniors have handlebars that are similar to those found on bicycles. Very easy to operate, mobility scooters are usually battery-powered, very durable, and can easily be used in stores or almost anywhere else. However, if you choose to have your parents use a scooter, make sure both of you receive the proper training prior to use. You can also consider buying Quingo mobility scooters as they are easier to learn.
When senior citizens become unable to climb stairs in their homes, they and their children often mistakenly assume the time has come to sell the home and move into a one-level property. However, if your parents have a stair lift, they are often able to remain in their home for many more years. The lift, which consists of a chair attached to the stair railing, moves up and down the stairs at a comfortable pace. Often containing a seat belt for added safety, most lifts are electric and also have battery-operated capabilities in the event of a power outage. Best of all, they are also covered by most health insurance policies.
When an aging parent can still walk okay but starts to have problems with keeping their balance, a walker may be all they need to continue living a full life in their home. While traditional walkers consist of a metal framework with four legs, many other types are now available. For example, some walkers now come with wheels to make them easier to maneuver, hand brakes, and even padded seats, baskets for carrying things from room to room, and cup holders for a cold drink.
In some situations where an aging parent has health issues that don’t allow them to walk safely or prevent them from putting pressure on their knees or legs, a wheelchair may be the safest and most practical option for mobility. Like walkers, today’s wheelchairs can be outfitted with many different accessories to make getting around as easy as possible. Whether it is a manual wheelchair you push yourself or is moved forward by your parent, or perhaps one that is powered by a rechargeable battery, a wheelchair can be easily used both at home as well as when your parent wants to shop, attend church, or go virtually anywhere else.
Finally, if your aging parent needs only minimal assistance with maintaining their balance while walking, a cane may be the only type of mobility device they need. While your parents may initially resist the idea since they will feel as if using a cane is acknowledging they are getting older, modern canes come in many different shapes, designs, and colors. Thus, once they have a cane that gets rave reviews from all who see it, chances are they’ll be proud to use it as much as possible.
By talking with your parents as well as their doctor, you can determine which mobility devices will work best for your mom or dad’s situation.
