Some seniors face difficulty completing daily activities due to loss of mobility. This mobility loss can be as small as limited motion of the fingers, or it can be as extreme as the inability to move entire limbs. There are a few main issues that tend to cause loss of mobility among seniors, but fortunately some of them may be preventable.
1. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs when seniors have greatly diminished bone density that can lead to fragile, brittle, and breakable bones. Fortunately, this cause of immobility is preventable if seniors start following a healthy diet at an early age. It is important to get enough calcium and vitamin D to build healthy bones.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Roseville seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
2. Accidental Falls
Broken bones, strained tendons, and muscle tears can limit a senior’s mobility, and these accidents tend to happen more often in old age. Try to remove hazards that could lead to falls, and ensure all areas of the home are well lit. Seniors can also reduce damage from falls by building muscle through exercise because extra muscle increases balance and protects bones in accidents.
3. Impaired Mental Function
Conditions that affect the brain, like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, can limit mobility. These mental conditions can make it difficult for the body to control muscles and bones effectively. Parkinson’s disease can damage neurons and affect areas of the brain that control coordination and movement.
Seniors with limited mobility may require assistance with daily activities. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Roseville, CA, respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
4. Obesity
Obesity among seniors is on the rise. Extreme obesity can cause seniors to become housebound, and being slightly overweight can make it difficult for them to move around. Higher levels of weight put more strain on the muscles and require more effort to move around. Obesity can also contribute to issues like osteoarthritis and diabetes that further impair mobility. To prevent this dangerous health condition, seniors need to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and talk to their doctors about medications that are causing weight gain.
5. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of immobility among older adults, and it occurs when the cartilage protecting the joints breaks down. Osteoarthritis can cause immobility due to pain, or it can make the joints stiffen and lock up. Seniors can reduce the risk of developing arthritis by maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood sugar levels low, regularly doing gentle exercise, and avoiding repetitive motions that put stress on the joints.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Roseville home care company you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. If your loved one needs professional at-home care, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (916) 226-3737.