联合早报 © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permissionzbLOHAS cover story on what caregivers can look out for to improve their elderly loved ones’ mobility at home and outdoors. The article includes tips on fall prevention and improving strength.
Dr Beatrix Wong, Associate Consultant, Division of Geriatric Medicine, NUH, explained that multiple parts of the body work together to keep a person mobile, and listed the possible reasons why a senior may want to seek help from the doctor. She also elaborated on the emergency steps to take if a senior falls at home.
Sonia Kurien, Occupational Therapist, JCH, commented that when choosing an appropriate mobility device, caregivers need to consider factors like the budget, the assistance rendered by caregivers, the distance travelled, whether it fits on public transport and the maintenance of the devices. Caregivers can consult the patient’s doctor who can refer the senior-in-need to an occupational therapist. She also shared that at home, caregivers need to be mindful of their loved ones’ medications and side effects. She provided tips on how to promote a healthy lifestyle at home, emphasising on the importance of proper footwear and home modifications. Outside the house, caregivers can accompany seniors when they are in public spaces to boost their self-confidence so that they are not confined to being at home.
Jeremy Mok, Senior Physiotherapist, AH, commented that fitness corners at HDB estate are equipped with machines that are suited for seniors. Equipment such as the hip swing, shoulder wheels and stationary cycling are helpful to maintain mobility in the hip, shoulder and knee. The article also included photo illustrations of simple home exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and mobility.
Registration details of JCH’s virtual caregiver talk titled “Improving the Mobility of our Loved Ones” happening on 26 June 2021 are listed in the article.
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