Alzheimer's Care Experts Share Advice on Dementia and Balance

Seniors often experience problems with impaired balance in their golden years. Falls present the leading cause of injury in the senior population and those who are afflicted with some form of dementia are even more so at risk. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, it is very important for them to try everything they possibly can to maintain their balance and minimize fall risks. This can help slow down the progression of the disorder and keep them vital for longer.

For seniors living with dementia, problems with balance often occur when the cognitive disease affects portions of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. As a matter of fact, the first signs of dementia are shuffling gait, clumsiness or slow-footed walk.

Though diminished balance and mobility issues present a problem that cannot be reversed for those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s care experts recommend taking some preventative measures that can ensure a safer environment for your loved one and help improve their balance and gait.

Build strength with safe Alzheimer’s care assistance

If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, Alzheimer’s care providers suggest encouraging them to start a low-impact regimen that can improve their balance. Stretching exercises are often recommended. A family member or caregiver should assist your senior mom or dad with their exercise routine, making sure they are safe and well hydrated.

Another thing to consider is purchasing walking aids and encouraging your loved one to use them. Your senior mom or dad can have a safer footing by using a walker or a cane. In addition to this, your parent can also enhance their footwear, opting for shoes with non-skid soles as they can be helpful in increasing mobility and reducing the risk of falls.

To reduce fall risks that could cause serious injury, you might want to consider fall-proofing your senior mom or dad’s home. When fall-proofing the home, it is important to make pathways easily accessible and free of clutter, install grab bars in the bathroom, remove or fixate all rugs, carpets, and electrical cords to reduce tripping hazard, and rearrange furniture.

Furthermore, Alzheimer’s care providers also suggest enhancing lighting throughout the house, especially in frequented areas such as staircases, kitchen, and the bedroom. On the other hand, if your senior mom or dad is in the advanced stages of dementia, it might be better for them to live in a safer facility that provides around-the-clock care.

Seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s don’t need clinical care in a large institution, as most of them simply react better to calm, familiar surroundings where they can receive adequate care. Alzheimer’s care services can allow your loved one to age with the dignity that they deserve, with specialized care in a real home setting and well-trained, caring personnel.

ComfortCare Homes of Wichita, KS provides memory care services to the following cities and neighborhoods: Wichita, Derby, Augusta, El Dorado, Newton, Hutchinson, Pretty Prairie, Kingman, Norwich, Conway Springs, Belle Plaine, and the surrounding areas of Kansas.