Balance | Management Strategies
- If poor balance Balance
The ability to sit or stand upright without falling over or slumping into a potentially dangerous position. causes the person you care for to become less mobile, it may be useful to purchase a walking aid Walking aid
A device that assists a person in being mobile. It can provide the balance necessary to make them comfortable enough to walk, like a cane, or it can be a wheelchair to assist them in moving when walking is not possible. such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. If these items would be helpful to the person you care for, but the cost of them is unaffordable, there usually are programs in your area which can provide assistance to you. Correct use of aids is important. Canes should be used on the patient's good side, to shift the center of balance over the stronger leg. Walkers should be picked up and placed, not pushed along.
- If mobile, try and have the person you care for involved in some form of exercise, especially low impact exercise. Some low impact sports that improve balance are tai chi, yoga and water aerobics. Other activities include walking, dancing or bowling. These can improve posture, and strengthen muscles and joints, which all help to improve balance. Before starting a new exercise program, it is important to consult the family doctor Family doctor
A doctor who provides generalized, primary care to their patients. for a physical exam Physical exam
A regular and thorough examination of a patient for any signs or symptoms of disease or abnormality..
- Look into exercise and fitness programs at local health clubs, senior centers or recreational centers which can provide exercise as well as social contact. These will increase balance and also decrease isolation.
- Poor balance can be the result of declining vision and/or hearing. Take the person you care for to get an eye exam to see whether he/she may need glasses or a change in prescription Prescription
A document that is provided and signed by a doctor to issue medication. It must include the medication name, as well as the assigned dosage and frequency of the medicine.. Also, take them for a hearing exam to ensure that their hearing is not impaired.
- Replace lightbulbs in rooms that the person uses in the evening with bulbs that have higher than usual wattage, to keep the room bright. Shadows created by dimmer bulbs can be disorienting or frightening.
- Consider making an appointment with a physiotherapist Physiotherapist
A health professional who assesses a person's physical function and specializes in physical methods of treatment to return to health.. They can suggest useful exercises and stretches for the person you care for and they can teach them to perform these safely. In many areas, care by a physiotherapist is covered by public or private health plans, especially after a referral Referral
A recommendation by a physician for a patient to receive care from another specialist, usually another health care professional in a different specialty than their own. from a physician. Therefore, make an appointment with the family doctor of the person you care for to discuss physiotherapy Physiotherapy
Therapy that uses physical means to treat a disability, such as heat, cold, massage and exercise. as an option for them.
- Install railings in parts of the house which are potentially dangerous for the person you care for. They are useful along stairwells, in the bathtub and beside the toilet. Consider the possibility of installing a cord which contacts the local emergency department when pulled. Locate these cords in areas where the risk of falling is high.
|
