Staying mobile and active

With the weather looking lovely this week, just a few things to think about.

For some individuals at this time of year, getting in and out of their home / care home,  into the garden or out  to enjoy the countryside can be a struggle. They can lack confidence or be fearful with moving around outdoors. They may have steps in and out of their home, and they may have reduced exercise tolerance. All the above become barriers, preventing them from going out, even if family or friends are around to assist.

There are many things that you / they can do to help themselves-

• Fitting grab rails outside your house or in your garden to reduce the risk of you falling, conserve energy and aid independence. These grab rails can be fixed to the house or free standing and fixed to the ground.

• If you have a step in and out of your home or shed you may benefit from a metal half step to reduce the height of the step and assist with completing the step with ease.

• Consider using a four wheeled walker or Nordic walking sticks when outdoors to improve confidence with mobility, reduce the risks of falling and improve standing balance and tolerance.

• Continuing with hobbies is very important, not only for your physical health but mental health too. Gardening at this time of year is very popular. If you are struggling with getting down to the flower beds or planting and weeding, there are many adapted tools you can purchase. These include long handled and better grip garden tools. Raised beds will enable you to continue to enjoy gardening.

• A car handle aid may be of benefit to assist with car transfers.

Bristol Home Therapists are experts in supporting people of all ages and abilities in finding solutions to mobility issues and difficulties completing everyday tasks and hobbies in and around their home / care home. We are a joint Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy team with a wealth of experience supporting patients in the community.

If you would like any further information or would like to book an assessment, please get in touch.