Helping your Parent Adjust to a Walker

Senior Care in Hampton Bays NY: Helping your Parent Adjust to a Walker

Due to balance issues, a chronic condition or a recent injury, your parent may require the assistance of a walker for long-term or short-term use. For many, the advent of needing a device such as a cane or walker simply confirms their fears that their decreasing independence is at a further decline. It’s important to stress that these devices, if used properly, serve to increase both their independence and the quality of their life.

Proper Use

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2001 and 2006, 47,000 seniors were treated every year in emergency rooms due to falls associated with canes and walkers. This statistic stresses the importance of insuring that your loved one is fitted properly and instructed in the proper use of a walker. As a family caregiver, you or someone in your family have probably already taken on the roll of advocate for your parent’s medical concerns. This is a prime example of when and how that roll comes into play.

As a caregiver, you may request instruction regarding the use of a gait belt. These devices are worn around your parent’s waist in order for you to assist with additional balance or support. They should never be used, however, to support your parent’s body weight. If your parent cannot support their full body weight using a walker, it is time to look for alternative mobility means.

Additional Tips

When your parent is getting up from a chair, be sure that they are sliding forward in the seat and using the arms of the chair to help them stand before attempting to use the walker. Walkers are not designed to be used as pull-bars for getting up. When your parent is ready to sit down, they should back up until they feel the chair touching the back of their legs. They then reach back with one hand for the arm chair and then for the other before lowering themselves down to be seated.

When walking, they will be instructed to not push the walker too far ahead, causing back strain, or to over step the walker, causing possible loss of balance.

It takes time to adjust to the use of a walker. Help your parent stay motivated and upbeat by providing useful tips and encouraging words regarding their daily progress in using the walker correctly and safely.

Senior Care Provider

A senior care provider can assist your parent with transferring from various areas of their home such as the restroom, shower, chairs and beds. They can prepare healthy meals and provide the companionship of sharing food and conversation. They can provide transportation and accompany your parent on social outings, ensuring that your loved one remain engaged and active as they progress through the various stages of aging.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Hampton Bays, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.