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Dealing with mobility issues can be challenging and distressing for the person affected. Caring for someone experiencing mobility issues can be equally difficult though in different ways. If you have found yourself caring for a loved one with mobility issues, it is vital to know the best ways to help both you and them.
You will need to allow them to maintain as much independence as possible and keep their quality of life excellent. Here are some of the best ways to care for a relative with mobility issues.
Adapt Their Home
Adapting their living space is one of the most important things you can do to improve the quality of life for someone with mobility issues. This could be by moving their bed to a room downstairs if they’re unable to climb stairs and having a downstairs toilet and shower installed. Grab rails can also help them move throughout their home safely.
Help Them Work Through Their Feelings
People experiencing mobility issues may also experience low moods and other mental health issues. It can be beneficial to help your loved one talk through their feelings and find coping mechanisms where possible. A positive mindset can be invaluable to aiding recovery from an illness or injury, so helping your loved one with their mental health is crucial.
Work Out An Exercise Regime
Building a healthy, strong body can make a huge difference to recovery and regaining mobility. It is a good idea to talk to your relative’s doctor, with their permission, about the exercises you could help them do to improve their overall strength. You could also consider consulting with a physiotherapist. There are many exercises that people can do regardless of their level of mobility, such as chair yoga, which is a gentle form of the practice done while sitting down.
Get Help
As much as you may want to help, it might not be possible for you to provide all the help your loved one needs. You may have responsibilities of your own like work and children. In this case, it is a good idea to find out how you can get extra help, whether from other relatives or through social care from your local council.
Use The Right Equipment
Helping a grown adult with their mobility can be challenging. If you are caring for someone with significant mobility concerns, it is crucial to have the right equipment to help them get around without injuring yourself. A good example is using a mobile hoist to help get your relative up and out of bed in the morning and around the house throughout the day. Always choose a reliable, experienced provider like the experts at NHC Group Ltd for any mobility equipment you invest in.
Ensure They Eat Well
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to improving strength and mobility. It is a good idea to help your loved one improve their diet and ensure they’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need in their diet. It may help to sign up for a healthy meal delivery subscription to ensure your loved one gets a varied, tasty and healthy diet.
Help Them Stay Social
Isolation can be a significant issue when someone is faced with mobility issues. Given that your loved one will be less able to get out of the house to continue their usual social activities, it is essential to do what you can to help them continue their regular routine as much as possible.
You could consider inviting their friends to your home and helping your loved one host an event from their home. Getting out of the house is important as well, so you could take regular trips to favourite restaurants and social spaces to allow them to get out of the house and meet with friends and family.
Keep Their Mind Active
Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for the body. As mentioned above, it is crucial to prevent feelings of loneliness and keep a positive mindset to aid recovery. A great way to boost mental health is to avoid letting your relative get bored while regaining their mobility.
You could consider helping them start a new hobby like painting, sketching or knitting, or finding puzzles or mental exercises to keep their minds active. Sudoku and crossword puzzles can be a great way to improve mental agility, while things like painting by numbers and jigsaw puzzles can be great for relaxation.
Remember Your Own Wellbeing
Caring for someone with mobility issues can be a considerable undertaking, so it is important to remember to care for your own wellbeing. Staying as mentally and physically fit as you can will allow you to provide the best care for your relative in the long run.
You should do what you can to take time for yourself, particularly if you live with the person you’re caring for. It may help to enlist the help of another trusted relative or friend to take over the caring responsibilities occasionally and ensure you get time to rest and recharge.