Supporting Someone with Mobility Needs
Supporting someone with mobility needs and challenges is easier than you might think, and you don’t have to do everything for them (in fact, it’s better if you don’t in most cases). What you actually want to do is to help them keep their independence and dignity as much as possible, and no matter whether it’s a friend, family member, caregiver, or anyone else, there are plenty of ways to help someone with mobility needs – keep reading to find out more.
Start With Understanding
The first thing you’ll need to do is take a moment to really understand what their mobility needs are – can they walk a short distance easily? Do they need help getting up from chairs or stepping onto curbs? These are the kinds of questions to ask and get more information on because it’s going to help you as much as it’s going to help them.
The fact is that getting a clear picture helps you know what really matters in their day-to-day life, and you won’t have to guess or make assumptions, which might actually just make things harder or even cause offence.
Choose The Right Tools
Mobility aids like canes, walkers, manual wheelchairs, and scooters, for example, all do different things, so it’s wise to choose the right tools for whatever it is the person you want to help needs. On top of that, it’s good to remember that these tools evolve and change, so what was useful in the past might not be anymore and vice versa – checking in is crucial.
For example, large wheels and comfy seats are vital for longer trips, and you might also want to look into wheelchair transport services to make things even easier, whereas for shorter trips or for people who have more mobility, a walker that’s the right height can work just as well.
Clear The Path
A simple fix like clearing a room or hallway can be all that’s needed, and it might seem like a small job, but it can make a world of difference to someone with mobility issues because it makes things safer and ensures they can get around more easily and with more independence.
Removing loose rugs, moving clutter, and just keeping your furniture in sensible spots is all going to help someone with mobility needs. What you want is wide, clear spaces that mean someone can move around, whether it’s with a stick, crutch, or in a wheelchair.
Do It The Right Way
Another point is that physical activity is a good thing, and for many people with mobility needs, it’s actually an essential thing. Gentle exercises like short walks, seated stretches, or movements in a wheelchair, can build strength, but they’ll also often build confidence, which is just what someone with these issues needs to ensure they’re happy to get out and about more often.
So if you want to help, you can encourage simple and regular movement because on top of everything else, it can also prevent other health issues, which can be very difficult to deal with. If you’re not sure what to do, speak to a therapist or medical professional for advice, and you’ll soon get the idea.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
