As seniors grow older, they may encounter many health issues that contribute to poor balance, including normal wear and tear on the joints and muscles. To prevent these challenges from getting worse, seniors need to seek treatment. Below are some of the ways your elderly parent can treat the balance difficulties he or she experiences.
Dietary Changes
Eating healthy foods can regulate fluid balances, making it easier to move around. It’s best to serve foods that have resveratrol, such as grapes, cranberries, and leafy green vegetables. The minerals and vitamins from these foods can lower blood pressure levels and prevent sudden mobility issues. Foods high in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants protect areas of the brain responsible for helping older adults maintain awareness of positioning. Seniors also need to remain hydrated to prevent dizziness and low blood pressure, which are things that lead to slips, falls, and other balance issues.
Some seniors have difficulty preparing nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Align Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Portland, ME, Align Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Walking Devices
Primary care physicians may recommend seniors use these devices until their balance has been restored and they no longer feel faint, dizzy, or light-headed. Some of the walking devices that can help older adults with balance include canes and walkers. These aids are designed to give seniors confidence when standing or walking. Most walking devices offer greater stability and balance to seniors because the equipment provides a larger and wider base. Using one of these devices can also help seniors maintain good body posture.
Medications
When it comes to dizziness caused by severe vertigo, your parent’s primary physician may prescribe medications to treat the condition. The medications will control the dizziness, alleviating some of the balance problems your loved one encounters when walking or standing. Be mindful that some medications have side effects that impact balance. Monitor your loved one to ensure the medication is helping instead of making him or her feel off-balance.
Proper medication management is just one of the many ways aging adults can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly care. Align Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Surgery
Surgery may be the best option, depending on the severity of your parent’s balance issues. Older adults who have acoustic neuroma may receive a recommendation for surgery from their treatment team. Radiosurgery is the most common surgical option. During this procedure, radiation is delivered to a tumor without an incision. This treatment is typically delivered in multiple sessions over a couple of weeks. If your loved one has surgery, a family member may be able to step in and offer to help during the recovery period.
Exercise
Treating balance challenges can prevent slips and falls. The good thing about balance exercises is that your loved one doesn’t have to leave the house to build muscle strength. Your loved one can stand on his or her toes or do leg raises or wall pushes right in the comfort of home. The strength built from exercise could make it easier to walk up and down stairs or on uneven surfaces. Speak with a doctor to determine what balance exercises your loved one needs to add to his or her weekly routine.
For some elderly individuals, living at home can present a few dangers related to mobility. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Portland seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Reach out to Align Home Care today at (207) 835-3490 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.