Is your loved one displaying signs of mobility difficulties? Perhaps they often lose their balance or have difficulties walking, even at home. The constant worry that they might fall can be a tiring and vexing situation, both for you and your loved one.
It is only natural that they experience mobility difficulties if they are of a certain age, are suffering from a health condition, or are recovering from an injury. Fortunately, they have a solution. However, it might be a hard pill to swallow.
PMAs will improve their lives significantly. Yet, there are still lots of negative stigmas associated with using them, especially when they did not have to rely on them before. However, beyond just being tools that aid in their mobility, PMAs help them to maintain independence.
What conditions require the use of mobility aids?
There are many conditions, both physical and medical, that can benefit from using mobility aids. Some of the more common general conditions include the following:
- Reduced strength in the lower body
- Injuries
- Chronic conditions and pain
- Loss of mobility and balance due to ageing
- Consumption of medication that makes one dizzy
If you think that your loved one requires PMAs but is still hesitant about using them, it is a conversation you will have to have. Here are 5 tips to help you overcome this vexing conversation.
1. Find a comfortable and familiar location to have the conversation
It is vital to find a location that they are comfortable in and familiar with before having the conversation. This will help lower their guard. Additionally, it is inevitable that they will get upset at the possibility of using PMAs. As such, a comfortable and familiar location will not add to a stressful situation.
2. Wait for the right time
Having the conversation at the right time goes a long way. There is no point in starting the conversation after both parties have just completed something stressful or quarrelled. You are only going to push your loved one further away from the idea of PMAs. Instead, having the conversation when they are relaxed and calm is the way to ease the topic.
3. Ask a friend of theirs to be there
As their family member, being the one to raise such a suggestion can often be the reason for potential quarrels. If you feel that having the conversation by yourself would be too stressful, or if you think that they might feel more at ease, it is not a bad idea to ask their friends to be a part of the conversation. Often, having a third party, especially one that is not blood-related, helps ease such conversations.
4. Be clear about how you feel
When having such conversations, it is always best to be completely transparent and honest about how you feel. Never try to sugar-coat your thoughts, thinking only about sharing the “best things”. Being transparent and honest about your thoughts is the only genuine way to help your loved one come to terms with their current situation.
5. Think from their perspective too
While being transparent and honest with yourself, you should also perceive the situation from their perspective. It all boils down to how you can connect with your loved one better so as to improve their reception to the conversation. If they like having conversations while having something to eat, then do that.
3 ways to encourage your loved one to use PMAs
Apart from making your loved one feel as comfortable as possible during the conversation about using PMAs, it is also important to encourage and excite them about how their lives will improve. Here are 3 ways to do so.
1. Emphasise the benefits
First things first, you should emphasise the benefits and advantages of using PMAs. They can include:
- The ability to do what they enjoy comfortably
- Reduced fear of falling
- Enhanced independence and safety
- Increased assistance and stability
- Improved walking pattern and balance
2. Discuss the available options
There is a wide variety of PMAs out in the market, and there is more than one way to help with their condition. At Falcon Mobility alone, we offer options such as:
- Walking sticks
- Rollators and walking frames
3. Talk about the professionals that can help them
Reassuring your loved one that there are professionals that can help can often be encouraging. Most people are hesitant to use PMAs due to the lack of proper knowledge. As such, there are two groups of people that your loved one can speak to, such as their primary care doctor and a mobility aid provider like Falcon Mobility.
Conclusion
Using a mobility aid when required will help with their condition significantly. The possible consequences of not doing so may bring up new musculoskeletal conditions or worsen their current condition, resulting in them not being able to enjoy the things they love. Hence, no matter how difficult the conversation will be, do not hesitate to raise it up to your loved one.
Our highly-trained and friendly team at Falcon Mobility are eager to help you and your loved one navigate the use of PMAs without many worries. If you cannot make it to our physical store, you can contact us, and we will guide you and your loved one through our online store, providing nothing but the best suggestions. Visit us to find out more!