Elderly Mobility

You've found a surgeon you trust, scheduled the procedure, and figured out which senior rehabilitation center your loved one will be staying in, but are you prepared for what comes after the surgery?

Physical therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy: Learn the different types of geriatric rehabilitation services available, where they occur, and what exercises are used to help improve a senior's functional abilities.

A broken hip, hip injury or hip replacement in the elderly can be very painful and problematic. Both occupational therapy and physical therapy services will likely be necessary to reduce pain, maximize mobility and improve quality of life.

Home care fall prevention programs, lifestyle changes, and home modifications can help reduce fall risks for seniors who are aging in place.

Frequently asked questions about hip replacement, also known as arthroplasty. Learn what caregivers can expect; Who should have hip replacement? How long is hospitalization? What about recovery time?

Learn what hip replacement surgery involves and what you can do to aid in hip replacement recovery and rehabilitation.

Grab bars can provide seniors with added stability and increased safety while toileting and bathing. Ideally, these supports should be placed at a height that feels most comfortable and secure for the person using them.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that causes both motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. There are two main rating scales used to describe the stages of Parkinson’s and the symptoms to expect during each.

Age should never be the sole reason for taking away a person’s driving privileges, but a number of physical and mental health conditions, medications, and/or age-related health changes can seriously compromise a senior’s driving abilities.

Sometimes the need for aids is immediately apparent, for example, in the case of a broken hip. Other times the need appears gradually. Be alert to the potential need for an assistive device, as seniors commonly try to downplay changes in their abilities.

Family caregivers often struggle to reposition and transfer elders with very limited mobility, thereby endangering their own health and that of their loved ones. Patient lift assist devices help prevent falls and injuries and may be covered by Medicare.

Minivans with adaptations that enable wheelchair users to easily get in and out can be very beneficial for seniors and their caregivers.

An odd occurrence during an evening walk caused me to jump to a conclusion about the potential source of my cognitive impairment.

Statistics show that one out of three people over age 65 take a fall each year. Whether you are a caregiver or an aging adult living alone, take a good look around your home and eliminate trouble spots.

New technology allows your parent to wear a device that no longer has to be pressed should they require help in an emergency. If they fall, the device sends a signal—your parent does not have to press a panic button.

Some adult day care centers accept patients with mobility problems, such as hip replacements. Visit the adult day care you have in mind ahead of time and discuss how they handle mobility issues.

My bathroom is very small and there is no room for my husband to maneuver his walker when the door is opened into the room. Any suggestions?

Arthritis, poor circulation, neuropathy, gout and plantar fasciitis can cause seniors to experience foot pain and discomfort. Experienced caregivers share their tips for managing foot pain, which can improve a senior’s mobility and quality of life.

Podiatric issues like arthritis, structural foot deformities and complications from diabetes can make it hard for seniors to find shoes that fit properly. Family caregivers offer tips for finding and affording orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics.

Swollen extremities are common, especially during the heat of summer, but persistent swelling may point to a serious underlying condition. Experienced caregivers share their best tips for monitoring edema, reducing inflammation and improving circulation.