As seniors age, they can develop a number of different medical conditions that can impact their mobility. If your senior parent wants to age in place, being able to move around the house safely on their own is a big concern, so you and they should be aware of the most common mobility challenges that seniors face.

Having mobility problems, poor balance, or occasional dizziness doesn’t mean your senior mom or dad can’t live independently. But it does mean that they should have home care. Home care is great for seniors because it means that seniors won’t be alone at home.

With home care services, your mom or dad will have help with housework, shopping, and cooking to make living at home easier. And they will have someone with them to help them get around if they need help.

The most common mobility problems that impact seniors are:

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and disability among seniors. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can significantly impact mobility. If your mom or dad has arthritis, medication may help reduce the pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy can also sometimes help seniors with arthritis hang onto their mobility longer as they get older.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis largely impacts senior women, but it can impact any senior. Millions of older women have some degree of osteoporosis. This condition leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Fragile bones can severely limit a senior’s ability to move around safely and confidently.

Osteoporosis can also make falls very dangerous for seniors. If your mom has osteoporosis, she should really have home care so that she’s not home alone. A home care provider being in the home with your mom can give both of you peace of mind.

Balance Disorders

Many seniors experience balance problems due to inner ear issues, medications, or other health conditions. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries. Balance disorders may be difficult to diagnose, but if your senior parent is having trouble with their balance, make sure they get seen by a doctor.

Balance problems that are due to medication side effects or other external causes may be reversible. But only your senior parent’s doctor can tell for sure.

Muscle Weakness

As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia. Muscle weakness can make it difficult to perform daily activities and maintain an active lifestyle. Muscle weakness is a natural part of aging, however seniors can do things to improve their muscle strength.

Regular home exercise, strength training, and occupational therapy from home care providers can all help seniors improve their muscle strength and stay active and mobile longer.

Chronic Diseases

Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues can all affect a senior’s mobility. These chronic illnesses often lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced physical capacity, making movement more challenging. If your senior mom or dad has chronic diseases that are making it tough for them to get around the house, find out more about how home care can help them live safely and comfortably at home.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Escondido, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Passion for Care today. Call (858) 798-5005

A Passion for Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Point Loma, and surrounding areas.

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Pat Melzer

Owner at A Passion for Care

Like many people in the senior care business, founder Pat Melzer was motivated by personal experience to start an in-home senior service business in 2010. After watching chronic conditions, dementia, and surgeries take over the life of her once very intelligent and lively mother-in-law, Pat saw the enormity of the need for better in-home care. Drawing on her 23 years of experience in the computer industry as a software product manager, engineering manager and computer programmer, she decided to develop best practices to build an organization that provides truly excellent, personalized care. Throughout the company’s history, Pat has been personally and professionally committed to ensuring your loved one receives the quality care they deserve. With often heroic efforts by the staff and dedicated caregivers, the vision has become a reality to be very proud of.

Making the transition to a completely new industry brought the opportunity to learn and grow, which continues still today. Pat studied Gerontology in San Diego State University’s certificate program and became licensed as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), a Home Health Aide (HHA), and completed the California Certification Program for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCCFE) as a Certified Administrator. She presented workshops at Aging in America Conference four years in a row and served as Chair of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council 2019-2020 and was the education board member for several years. More recently, Pat became a Certified Senior Advisor and was a San Diego Business Journal “50 over 50 2022 Women of Influence Honoree”.

Pat and her husband Roland have lived outside San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley for over three decades. She has two children who are grown professionals and three grandchildren. Pat enjoys traveling to, and visits from, family and friends throughout the year. While at home in San Pasqual Valley, she and Roland enjoy peaceful views and exploring the surrounding valleys.

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