Why Preserving Balance Is Essential for Aging Adults

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For seniors, maintaining good balance is vital for controlling the body’s position. Whether standing still or moving about, good balance makes it possible to change positions without falling, walk without wobbling or staggering, avoid tripping hazards, and safely navigate stairs, among other things. Helping your aging loved one maintain balance doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few things you can help your loved one do to limit the potential for injury and maintain sufficient balance for completing daily activities. 

Identifying the Cause of Balance Problems 

Talking with a doctor is the most important part of identifying and addressing balance problems. Balance issues could be caused by inflammation of the inner ear, vertigo, or other health issues. In these instances, medication could be required to restore a sense of physical stability and security. 

If your loved one’s balance problem is caused by a serious health condition, he or she might benefit from having a full-time professional caregiver. Performing daily tasks while simultaneously managing the symptoms of a serious illness can be challenging for seniors. The Kennebunk live-in care experts at Align Home Care are available 24/7 to make sure your loved one has the care he or she needs to remain safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Simple Balance Exercises 

Daily balance training can help seniors build strength in their legs and abdominal muscles. These activities can also boost and preserve mobility levels, enhance safety, and allow aging adults to continue enjoying their favorite recreational activities, such as dancing, tennis, jogging, or bike riding.

A senior can work on balance training at home with a sturdy chair or counter and a pair of comfortable flat-soled shoes. The senior can start by spending time balancing on one leg while holding on to the countertop or chair for support. As balance increases, he or she can work on lifting one arm to shoulder height while continuing to balance on one leg. 

Walking over obstacles on the floor is also good balance practice. Your loved one can simply place a soft item on the floor and work on walking over or around this item without stumbling or staggering. For seniors who may be a little unsteady on their feet, these activities should be performed in the presence of family members or caregivers to ensure safety. 

If your loved one needs help getting started or sticking to an exercise regimen, a home care professional might be the right person to help. In-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Activities to Avoid 

Aging adults should never attempt to navigate stairs when experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or lightheadedness. This is especially true when they’re at home alone. Standing, sitting, or otherwise changing positions abruptly should be avoided as well. When balance issues begin to present themselves, the focus should be on making slow, controlled movements instead. 

Loss of balance could be especially dangerous for seniors, who often have more brittle bones and weaker muscles as they grow older. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Kennebunk families trust Align Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can help your loved one, give us a call at (207) 835-3490 today. 

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