Did you know that more than a fourth of adults in the United States have some type of disability? The second-most common disability is related to mobility, which is a common concern for senior citizens. Ahead of that are cognitive issues.
Managing mobility challenges in senior memory care is a challenge, especially for those with more progressed diagnoses. They may not be able to acknowledge their disabilities or find confusion in them.
Here's how Edwardsville senior care solutions balance mobility challenges with memory care.
Seniors may suffer from several mobility issues due to various causes. Some of the most common reasons include:
When any person finds their mobility restricted, they may struggle to live alone. They'll either need the use of mobility aids to get around or a caregiver to help handle their daily tasks.
Things get especially challenging for seniors with dementia or other memory-related issues. They may become easily aggravated and confused. A senior may refuse to utilize a mobility aid or push away their caregivers.
Each assisted living community must take these obstacles into account when addressing their mobility challenges.
The types of mobility support for seniors you'll want to invest in will depend on the individual's needs. Some seniors only need a little help balancing as they go about their days. Others can't walk more than a few steps at a time and would benefit from something like a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Walkers and rollators are a type of mobility aid that uses four legs. While walkers may come with two wheels, rollators have four for easier maneuverability. Rollators may also come with a seat installed so users can sit and rest whenever they need to.
Both of these mobility aids are a good option for someone who needs help but can still walk on their own two feet.
A cane is a simpler tool than a walker, but it can help seniors maintain balance and support their weight. You can find various types of canes, including ones with a single foot or with four feet. There are also models with adjustable heights.
Your loved one may start with a cane if they have only recently developed mobility issues. It's also useful when walking long distances.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are for seniors with severely limited mobility.
Wheelchairs come in both manual and powered models. Users can move the manual ones with their hands or with another person's help. The powered models use buttons or a stick to move it.
Mobility scooters are all powered, but mostly meant for occasional use. These are best for people who can still stand but struggle with long walks.
Grab bars and handrails are installed in bathrooms and hallways to help seniors navigate their homes more easily. They can use these bars to lift themselves or help them maintain their balance.
Ideally, a memory care unit would have grab bars installed in every bathroom. Hallways may or may not have these. It's less common in units that use wheelchairs and walkers.
Lift chairs assist seniors in standing up from a seated position. It's useful for reducing strain on their knees and back. Staff may want to utilize this aid for seniors who struggle to stand up but can walk okay.
When you look for memory care communities in Edwardsville, it's important to prioritize certain factors. You want your senior loved one to have:
Communities that provide senior living in Edwardsville often include personalized care plans for each resident. An elderly care plan takes into account a resident's emotional, social, and physical needs. It should also consider access to their doctors and the level of care required.
Some seniors will only need assistance cleaning up around their house and cooking. Others need more hands-on care and a community that can cater to those needs.
Anyone with specific medical needs may wish to move into a nursing home so they have constant access to medical professionals and equipment.
Residents in a senior living community have access to trained staff who can help with a wide variety of tasks. In memory care communities, staff receive specialized training to assist seniors with mobility challenges. You may see a higher staff-to-resident ratio than in other communities.
On top of that, they are trained to understand how to navigate dementia and other memory-related disorders.
Many memory care communities offer activities to encourage movement and socialization. These activities include group exercises, dance classes, and walking clubs. Seniors can focus more on their physical health and engage with some of their peers.
Another benefit of physical activity is that it can improve cognitive function. It can slow down the progression of their disease and give them more time.
One of the most important aspects of memory care is keeping your loved ones secure. Seniors with dementia can become confused and wander off, which endangers themselves and the people around them.
The senior living community you choose should have staff closely monitor all residents. Staff should not allow them to go off on their own unless accompanied by a staff member or a family member who has signed them out.
Navigating mobility challenges for seniors with dementia is complex and requires a comprehensive approach. You'll want to find a community that has experience dealing with both so your loved one will get the support they need. If you're lucky, you'll find one close to home.
Addington Place of Edwardsville provides senior living options focused on memory care. Our communities focus on each resident's well-being and their care plans so they can stay cognitively and physically stimulated.
Reach out with any questions about either our staff or our community.