Going up and down the stairs is something you're likely do many times a day, and barely even think about. Your aging parent, however, may not feel the same way. Their mobility issues or low vision can make this daily activity challenging, and even dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways you can make the stairs safer for your senior so they are able to use them more confidently.
Use this safety checklist to help make your senior's stairs safer:
Mobility issues are extremely common among elderly adults. Arthritis, balance problems due to medications and other health conditions, loss of range of motion and strength in the joints and muscles, lingering effects of traumatic injuries and illnesses, and other conditions can make it difficult for your parent to navigate around spaces and perform daily tasks such as climbing the stairs. This can not only put them in danger of experiencing severe injuries, but can diminish their quality of life by reducing their activity level, causing them anxiety about being injured, and making them feel less independent. If your senior is dealing with these mobility issues, now may be the ideal time for you to start elder care for them. Having an elderly home care services provider with your parent can offer them the support and assistance they need to manage their mobility issues, stay safer, avoid injuries, and maintain a more active, independent, and fulfilling lifestyle.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Palm City, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.
Use this safety checklist to help make your senior's stairs safer:
- Check the banister to make sure that it is in good condition, stable, and does not have any rough places or splinters
- If your parent struggles with low vision, consider marking the steps to make it easier to detect each one. This is particularly important if the stairs are the same color as the flooring on the landing
- If the stairs are smooth, add rubber grips at the edge of each to reduce the risk of slipping
- Ensure there is a banister on both sides of the stairs. If you need to install one, have a professional do it, or make sure it is installed securely so it can support your parent's weight
- If your parent has serious mobility issues, consider adding a stairlift. These mechanical devices allow your parent to sit comfortably and safely, and be carried up and down the stairs
- Rely on the help of an elder care provider. Mobility support from an elderly home care services provider can allow your parent to maneuver around their home with greater confidence, including going up and down the stairs safely
Mobility issues are extremely common among elderly adults. Arthritis, balance problems due to medications and other health conditions, loss of range of motion and strength in the joints and muscles, lingering effects of traumatic injuries and illnesses, and other conditions can make it difficult for your parent to navigate around spaces and perform daily tasks such as climbing the stairs. This can not only put them in danger of experiencing severe injuries, but can diminish their quality of life by reducing their activity level, causing them anxiety about being injured, and making them feel less independent. If your senior is dealing with these mobility issues, now may be the ideal time for you to start elder care for them. Having an elderly home care services provider with your parent can offer them the support and assistance they need to manage their mobility issues, stay safer, avoid injuries, and maintain a more active, independent, and fulfilling lifestyle.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Palm City, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.