How to Help Someone With Mobility Issues?

What are mobility issues?

Mobility issues refer to those who may have mobility difficulties or limitations when it comes to performing everyday activities. These issues can affect people of all ages and can be an outcome of various factors. In this article, we will explore what the most common mobility issues are and how you can help someone who may be struggling. 

What are some causes for mobility issues?

If you’re wondering what are some causes for mobility issues, this can be a result from a wide range of factors including injuries, disabilities, medical conditions or age related changes. Listed below are the most common causes some may face:

Neurological conditions

Neurological conditions are diseases that affect the nervous system. They occur in the brain, spine, and multiple nerves that connect the both. Here are a few listed below:

• Stroke: A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain has been cut off which can then cause damage to the brain. This can then lead to paralysis or weakness to one side of the body and are most common among people over the age of 70. You can read about which lifestyle products can support you after suffering from a stroke here. 

• Parkinsons: A person with Parkinsons can experience a wide range of psychological and physical symptoms, which can lead to tremors and slow movement of the body, as well as stiff and inflexible muscles.

Age related changes

As individuals age, they may experience a range of age-related changes that can impact their mobility. These changes can vary from person to person, but some of the most common age-related mobility changes include:

• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that can reduce bone density. This weakens the bones and allows you to be more susceptible to fractures - therefore, significantly impacting your mobility. 

• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis become more common with age and can result in joint pain, swelling, and loss of mobility.

Solutions to mobility issues

While mobility issues can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, there are various solutions to mobility issues that can be addressed easily. Here are some solutions below:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a great way for people affected with mobility issues to regain their strength and flexibility. It helps to manage pain and improve movement. 

Mobility aids

Mobility aids are great solutions to mobility issues an individual may be facing. For instance, a rise and recline chair can help with blood circulation, arthritis, COPD and many other health issues you’re facing. We talk more about this in our blog ‘Can a Rise and Recline Chair Help Your Health?’. Another mobility aid is an adjustable bed, offering you many sleeping positions for you to rest comfortably and naturally improving blood circulation. 

Home accessibility

To make your home more accessible, you may need to consider a few changes. For example, installations of ramps or lifts at entrances allow you to have an easy entry and exit. Widening doorways ensures wheelchair access, while strategically placed grab bars in bathrooms and hallways provide support. Non-slip flooring reduces the risk of falls, and lower countertops in kitchens and bathrooms improve accessibility. Organising areas for easy reach and enhancing lighting for safety are also beneficial adjustments.

Staying active

Staying active for individuals with mobility issues include gentle exercises like seated stretches, and wheelchair-based exercise. It’s important to stay active because it maintains physical strength and flexibility, therefore, reducing the risk of further health issues. This can help toward improving your well-being, confidence, and independence.

How to get further support for someone with mobility issues

Want to know how to get further support for someone with mobility issues? You can contact your GP, local council, social worker, or speak to friends and family. Additionally, you can also contact Citizens Advice for further guidance. 

Overall, it’s important to know how to help someone with mobility issues as many of us will know or care for someone with limitations. This will allow individuals to maintain their independence and get on with daily activities in the most comfortable and easiest possible way known to them.