Slowing down is a natural part of ageing. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious; at other times, the change is gradual. It is often these small changes to daily life that sap confidence and begin affecting our independence, especially when we start to feel limited within our own home.
To more reliably keep track of your wellbeing, the NHS recommends a number of simple tests that can help monitor changes in mobility over time. For instance, one such test is to time yourself walking a distance of just four metres. Repeat this process three times, allowing for adequate rest if needed. If your average time takes more than five seconds, it’s recognised that you have started to slow down. This could be for a variety of reasons, including arthritis, fatigue disorders, weight issues and more.
Accepting mobility aids can feel like a big step. In truth, it is often a dozen smaller steps, and many people subconsciously use mobility aids around the home without even realising it.
When bending and stretching, you might find yourself becoming more reliant on everyday objects, such as the back of a chair or a countertop, to steady yourself. The fact is, you are already turning these objects into mobility aids when they were never intended to be one.
You don’t need to jump from one extreme to the other. Here are some small, unobtrusive tools that can help maintain your independence:
• Foldable Walking Sticks – Simple walking aids such as foldable walking sticks can be deployed as and when you need them throughout the day.
• Grab Tools – Many accidents occur when we stretch too high or make an unnecessary bend. Having a grab tool of the appropriate height can go a long way in preventing such issues.
• Hand Rails – Installing rails at key points around the home, such as stairs, front steps and bathrooms, can provide the stability you need without constantly having to think about mobility concerns.
These initial steps are small and do not necessarily lead to more substantial mobility aids later on, despite this being a common concern. In fact, we often find that addressing minor mobility challenges early helps people maintain their independence for longer.
Some might think that the key to independence is to soldier on for as long as possible without asking for help. This is a common pitfall that often leads to people becoming less independent in the long run.
Even if you are using mobility aids, accepting help from others is one of the best things you can do for your long-term well-being. Having an objective pair of eyes available to socialise with you and assist with simple tasks not only reduces the risk of injury but can also improve overall mental well-being.
For some, family and friends may be ready and willing to help. For others, a close network of available contacts might not be present. In situations like these, local home support services are there not only to help with daily tasks but also to offer companionship.
This support with everyday tasks can help maintain your freedom and allow you to spend more time doing the things you enjoy.
Services such as Essex Home Support provide this type of assistance for customers throughout South Essex and beyond. It’s important to remember that while you may not be doing everything yourself, the right assistance and support allow you to choose what you want to do, rather than feeling restricted by what you can manage alone.
For more information on mobility aids, don’t hesitate to contact the Able-Aid team. We offer free consultations, which can be booked through our online contact form, and we can also provide assistance over the phone or in store.
This blog was written by Able-Aid in collaboration with Essex Home Support, a family-run home care provider based in Leigh-on-Sea with over 38 years of experience. Their team provides assistance for clients across Essex, helping people maintain their independence and quality of life at home.
Their services include:
You can find out more about Essex Home Support’s services by heading over to their website. Maintaining independence is not about doing everything alone. It is about having the right support in place to continue living life on your own terms.
