Improving Mobility in the Elderly: Practical Tips for Safer Living

Maintaining good mobility at home is essential for older adults to stay independent, safe and comfortable in their daily lives. Simple tasks, like moving between rooms or getting up from a chair, can become challenging as we age, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Fortunately, with thoughtful adjustments and proactive planning, you can create a safer, more accessible environment for your loved one.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to improve mobility within the home, from reducing hazards to using helpful aids and encouraging exercises that promote balance and strength. These small changes can make a big difference in helping your loved one stay active, confident and secure.

Assessing the home for mobility challenges

Before making any changes, it’s important to evaluate your loved one’s home for areas that may hinder their movement or pose safety risks. A thorough assessment helps identify problem spots that can be improved to support safer, easier navigation.

Start by walking through the home and noting any obstacles. Pay special attention to:

• Entrances and exits: Check for steps or uneven surfaces that could make entry difficult. Installing ramps or railings can help.
• Hallways and doorways: Ensure they are free from clutter and wide enough to accommodate mobility aids like walking frames.
• Stairs: A common hazard for older people – consider adding sturdy handrails on both sides and non-slip treads for better traction.
• Bathrooms: Slippery floors, high-sided baths, and low toilets can be more hazardous for those with mobility issues. Installing grab bars, non-slip mats and raised toilet seats can help reduce the risk and provide greater safety.
• Living spaces: Look for loose rugs, trailing wires, or low furniture that could present a trip or fall hazard.

Identifying these challenges is the first step toward creating a more accessible home, where your loved one can move around confidently and safely. Be sure to ask your loved one if there are any particular areas of the home they find unsafe or difficult to navigate.

 

Creating a safer home environment

Once you’ve identified mobility challenges, making simple modifications can greatly enhance safety and ease of movement. Small adjustments often have a significant impact on reducing risks and promoting independence.

Here are some effective ways to create a more mobility-friendly home:

• Install grab bars and handrails: Place grab bars near toilets, in the shower or bath and along hallways or stairs to provide extra support. Handrails on both sides of stairways are also recommended.
• Improve lighting: Ensure good lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways, staircases and entryways. Use motion-sensor lights or easy-to-reach switches to reduce the risk of falls in poorly lit areas.
• Remove tripping hazards: Eliminate loose rugs, repair uneven flooring and secure any trailing wires or cords. Use non-slip mats in kitchens and bathrooms where floors can become slippery.
• Simplify access to essentials: Rearrange cupboards and shelves so frequently used items are within easy reach, reducing the need for bending or stretching.
• Create clear pathways: Arrange furniture to allow wide, obstacle-free paths for easy navigation, especially if mobility aids are used.

These simple adjustments not only make the home safer but also give your loved one more confidence in moving around independently.

Choosing mobility aids for home use

Mobility aids can provide crucial support for older adults, helping them move safely and confidently around their home. Choosing the right equipment tailored to your loved one’s specific needs is key to enhancing comfort and security.

Common mobility aids for home use include:

• Walking frames and canes: Ideal for those who need additional stability. Canes offer balance support, while walking frames provide more comprehensive assistance.
• Grabbers or reachers: Helpful for picking up items without bending or stretching, reducing strain on joints and muscles.
• Chair and bed risers: Elevate seating or sleeping surfaces to make getting up easier. Chairs with armrests also provide additional leverage.
• Mobility scooters or stairlifts: Advanced solutions for larger homes, offering safe travel between rooms or floors for those with significant mobility challenges.

How Country Cousins can help

If you decide that live-in care is the most appropriate form of care for you or your loved one, your first step should be to contact an introductory live-in care service such as Country Cousins. At Country Cousins, we offer a variety of different types of care at home services, depending on your individual health and care needs.

With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one in line with their personal preferences and wishes. For more information on selecting live-in care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to live-in care.

Talk to our team today

If you are considering live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.

Give us a call today should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.