Balance is an issue that many seniors have difficulty with. Problems with balance can come from pain, stiffness, weakness, and lack of range of motion in the joints and muscles, neurological problems, vision problems, issues with the vestibular system, medications, health problems, and more. No matter what the source of your parent’s balance issues, it is important for you as a family caregiver to not only understand how these balance problems can negatively affect your parent’s safety, function, and quality of life, but to take meaningful steps to help them to cope with these challenges and limitations in a way that will preserve their health, well-being, and lifestyle.
There are many steps that you can take to help your parent deal with balance issues, but one that can be particularly valuable is starting senior care for them.
Some ways that a senior home care services provider can help your parent deal with their balance issues include:
• Providing physical support during difficult tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
• Assisting with tasks throughout the home that may be difficult for your parent, such as taking out the trash, doing laundry, or tidying
• Modifying tasks so that your parent can take on more around the house independently
• Providing safe and reliable transportation and support so that they can continue to do tasks that they wish to do, including running errands and participating in activities, with confidence
• Encouraging your loved one to make good lifestyle choices that can help to minimize balance problems and support better health, well-being, and safety, including staying physically active and remaining compliant with medications and guidelines from their doctor
Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them in the course of your caregiver journey. Valley Home Care, serving the greater Fresno, Modesto, Merced and Los Banos areas, can provide your parent services on a customized schedule to ensure that they have access to all of the care, support, and assistance that they need while still fostering a sense of independence and keeping you at the front of their care routine.
Through a highly personalized set of services, this care provider can address your parent’s individual challenges, limitations, and needs in a way that is right for them. This helps them to stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy, and to pursue a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, and fulfilling as possible while they age in place. As a family caregiver, this gives you confidence and peace of mind that your parent is getting everything that they need both when you are with them and when you are not able to be.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0922-older-adult-falls.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/balance-problems/home/ovc-20166187