Helping Seniors Stay Independent & Mobile

Today’s world is very fast-paced and dynamic. We have so many ways to stay connected and mobile via technology, but there is another, more simplistic way to look at a senior’s mobility. From the moment we get out of bed each morning we rely on our ability to move to get us through our daily needs – standing up from a chair, walking across the room to use the bathroom, and even making our way through a grocery store or going to doctor appointments are necessary functions for seniors that we often take for granted.Statistics by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) for the United States and Canada show that over 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada struggle with mobility issues and one in five elderly people are dealing with loss of mobility on a daily basis. Some have had mobility disabilities since birth, others gradually develop their disability later in life, or it can be caused by a traumatic event or accident. One challenge faced is accessing public buildings – whether it’s the lack of entrance ramp access to narrow doorways that don’t allow wheelchair entry to icy Minnesota sidewalks, these issues and many more are common frustrations. Even looking inside the home, you’ll see many areas or situations where a loved one or someone you care for can struggle getting around independently. The bathroom and kitchen can be dangerous areas, but both are accessed daily and are needed to function. More common among older adults, loss of mobility has social, psychological, and physical consequences, which can be profound. “If you’re unable to get out then you can’t go shopping, you can’t go out with your friends to eat dinner or go to the movies, and you become dependent on other people to get you places. So you become a recluse, you stay home, you get depressed. With immobilization comes incontinence, because you can’t get to the bathroom, you can develop urinary infections, skin infections. The list goes on,” says geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Salamon goes on to say that loss of mobility puts you at greater risk for falling, which often results in a hip fracture. “That’s the worst, because within a year 20% of people with hip fractures die from complications. So we try to avoid that at all costs.” There is professional support available in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and a wide variety of aids to daily living that will help you maintain your mobility and independence. Talk with your doctor to determine a plan that works for your situation. Be open to suggestions for change and recommendations for mobility equipment that will make your life easier and safe such as a walker or cane to prevent falls. If you or your loved one uses a cane, Liberty Oxygen has ice cane tips available at all our locations and they are crucial when maneuvering the icy Minnesota sidewalks. The ice cane tip is a simple device that attaches to the end of any walking cane and the spikes at the tip give the user more stability and support on the icy sidewalks or parking lots. Seeing a therapist or joining a support group in the Minneapolis area can really make a difference in how you approach changing your lifestyle to allow for greater independent mobility. Seeing others live vital, happy lives while using a scooter or riding public transportation can be a great confidence booster. The experiences of people with mobility disabilities can vary widely; as can their attitudes about their disabilities, and their strategies for managing them. Your willingness to try new things or change your routine a little is crucial to remaining mobile. Assistive devices and medical equipment will make a big difference in maintaining your loved one’s independence. Simply using a walking cane, shower chair and elevated toilet seat will enable them to use the bathroom facilities on their own. Other disabilities may require the use of a wheelchair or scooter to keep you moving throughout the day. Scooters are particularly helpful due to their ruggedness and maneuverability for mobility away from home. Still others may require some structural reconstruction to your home to keep loss of mobility to a minimum. Adding access ramps, widening hallways and doorways to allow wheelchair access, and adjusting the height of sinks and countertops are all very common structural changes that can increase your independence. There are many assistive device options and styles to choose from, so stop by one of our eight locations to speak with an expert who will take the time to assess your needs and determine the best possible medical supplies to remain independent and mobile. Loss of mobility is a problem that can lead to many other mental and physical health issues, but it is preventable and treatable. With the right mindset, support and home medical equipment, you or your loved one can live a much more independent, mobile lifestyle.