Navigating Mobility Options for Seniors in Assisted Living
Mobility issues remain one of the most common disabilities affecting people aged 65 and older, according to the National Library of Medicine. As your loved one ages, it's important to explore some mobility options that can help them stay active and independent.
Mobility options for seniors can range from simple walkers to wheelchairs and even designated travel companions. The best way to navigate the various mobility choices for your loved one is by talking with an assisted living professional.
Assisted living mobility solutions come with unique designs to help your loved one maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Read on to learn more about the best transportation and mobility options for seniors in assisted living.
Conduct a Needs Assessment
Before exploring the mobility options at an assisted living community, assess the mobility needs of your loved one. The mobility needs of a senior will vary based on factors such as physical health, personal preferences, and cognitive state.
You can begin the needs assessment by simply observing your loved one. Look out for any mobility challenges that may manifest in clear ways, such as difficulty walking or standing up. The next step is getting a physical checkup to understand the cause of the issue.
Some mobility challenges are temporary and will go away with treatment. However, some require a more intensive approach and may necessitate elderly mobility tools.
Conditions that affect mobility for senior citizens include:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Parkinson's disease
In addition to these health issues, it's essential to explore mobility options if your loved one has conditions that cause cognitive impairment, such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Your loved one could benefit from our memory care community in such cases.
Assisted Living Mobility Solutions
Choose an assisted living community with mobility solutions that meet the needs of your loved one. Depending on the level of mobility, assisted living communities may offer:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Scooters and canes
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are among the most popular mobility aids for seniors in assisted living. The two-wheel vehicle is ideal for your loved one with limited mobility. Electric wheelchairs are suitable for giving seniors a sense of independence in assisted living. However, assisted living communities have on-site staff who can operate manual wheelchairs.
Walkers
These mobility options provide stability and support if your loved one needs more balance while walking. Walkers come in two varieties: standard walkers and rolling walkers.
Scooters and Canes
Canes are helpful for seniors who need additional help with balance. Scooters are modern mobility devices that facilitate mobility by letting seniors control the handles at the arm-high level.
Mobility Assistance Features
Assisted living communities cater to the mobility needs of seniors in various ways. Some of the mobility and safety enhancements available at our community include:
- Grab bars
- Wide doorways
- Ramps and elevators
Grab Bars
Grab bars are simple yet effective mobility assistance solutions that help seniors mitigate the risk of falls. They are usually installed in bathroom areas, hallways, and stairways.
Even assisted living communities that have ramps need grab bars to enhance the mobility of their residents as they move across different areas.
Wide Doorways
A good doorway's size is vital in facilitating better mobility for seniors. Wide doorways ensure that all mobility aids for seniors, from wheelchairs to scooters, can easily pass through.
Large enough doorways guarantee freedom for seniors to move across the assisted living community. They also enhance seniors' sense of independence because they don't have to ask for assistance when getting from one point to another.
Ramps and Elevators
The Federal Highway Administration has reiterated the importance of ramps and elevators to enhance senior mobility. At our assisted living community, ramps are available at strategic points, such as areas with stairs, to enhance the movement of seniors with mobility issues.
The community also features elevators to help seniors move between different floors. Ramps and elevators are key to easing the mobility of seniors with difficulty climbing stairs.
Accessible Pathways and Environmental Modifications
The outlook of an assisted living community may seem strange. But everything from the floor plan to the outdoor space is uniquely designed to enhance the mobility of seniors. Further, all common areas are wheelchair friendly to improve their accessibility.
Accessibility ensures that no seniors get left behind in enjoying the services and amenities available at assisted living. It also helps your loved one become independent and encourages light physical exercise.
The additional features at our community, such as grab bars, guarantee your loved one's safety as they navigate different locations within our community. There are additional modifications we have made to the outdoor environment, such as:
- Availability of benches and chairs
- Wide width
- Clear signage and night lights
- Non-slip surfaces
Simplification of Daily Tasks
The American Psychological Association estimates that at least half of older citizens have disabilities. Such seniors need help with daily living activities and must be in an environment providing continuous support services.
Living in an assisted living community guarantees assistance with daily chores. The staff at our assisted living community has adequate training in providing personalized care to help seniors in various ways, such as:
- Bathing and dressing
- Medication management
- Meal prepping and dining
With someone else handling the housekeeping chores, your loved one has more time to relax and focus on working out. In addition, our staff provides personal care services and can create individualized mobility options for seniors.
Staying Active Is Key to Battling Mobility Issues
Getting older often leads to lower levels of physical activity, which negatively affects your loved one's level of mobility. Staying active is critical to addressing mobility issues that are a product of manageable conditions such as an injury or a temporary illness.
What senior living mobility aids are available is the first question you should ask when evaluating different assisted living communities. Go for communities that allow your loved one to maintain a full calendar of activities, interact with peers, and participate in events.
Learn About Mobility Options for Seniors
Navigating mobility options for seniors in assisted living can be tough. It involves continuous needs assessment to ensure your loved one has all the mobility aids needed to improve their independence.
At Addington Place of Prairie Village, we provide compassionate care focused on enhancing the comfort of your loved one while addressing their needs. Contact us today and discover how you will help your loved one regain independence with mobility aids.