Noticed Mom Struggling This Holiday? 3 Signs It's Time to Talk About Mobility

It's a scene that plays out in thousands of homes every holiday season. You're back at your parents' house, the air is filled with laughter and the smell of a home-cooked meal. But amidst the joy, you notice something that makes your heart sink.

Maybe it's the way your dad grips the banister with white knuckles, taking one step at a time with a painful slowness. Maybe it's your mom's hesitation before getting out of her favorite armchair. These aren't just quirks of getting older; they are often the first silent signals that their home is no longer as safe as it once was.

The holidays are a time for family, but they are also a time for observation. If your recent visit left you worried about a loved one's mobility, you're not alone. Here are three common signs that it might be time to consider a solution like a stairlift, ramp, or lift chair.

1. The Staircase Standoff

This is the most common red flag. Stairs are the number one place for falls in the home, and your parents know it. Watch for these behaviors:

• Hesitation: Do they pause at the bottom of the stairs, mentally preparing for the climb?

• The "Two-Step" Shuffle: Do they place both feet on one step before moving to the next?

• Avoidance: Have they started sleeping on the couch downstairs or moved their bedroom to the main floor to avoid the stairs altogether?

A stairlift isn't about giving up; it's about regaining access to their entire home safely.

2. The Chair Challenge

Getting up from a seated position requires significant leg and core strength, which naturally declines with age.

• The "Rock and Roll": Do they have to rock back and forth several times to gain enough momentum to stand?

• Armrest Reliance: Do they push off heavily on the armrests or a nearby table for support?

• The "Plop": Do they control their descent, or do they "plop" down into the chair because their legs can't support a slow sit?

A power lift chair provides a gentle, powered boost to a standing position, reducing strain and the risk of a fall.

3. The Bathroom Balancing Act

The combination of hard, slippery surfaces and the need to transition from sitting to standing makes the bathroom one of the most dangerous rooms in the house.

• Towel Rack Grab: Are they using towel racks, toilet paper holders, or sink countertops for support? These are not designed to hold a person's weight and can detach from the wall.

• Shower Anxiety: Do they seem reluctant to shower when no one else is home?

Simple additions like grab bars, a shower seat, or a raised toilet seat can make a world of difference in their safety and confidence.

A New Year, A Safer Home

Noticing these signs is the first step. The next step is having a conversation. It's not about taking away their independence; it's about giving them the tools to maintain it safely.

At Mobility Plus Lawrenceville, we understand that these conversations can be difficult. We're here to help. We offer free, no-obligation home safety assessments. Our experts can identify potential hazards and recommend personalized solutions to help your loved ones age in place comfortably.

Start the New Year with peace of mind. Give us a call today at (470) 294-1046 or visit our showroom on 798 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suite 100A to see how we can help make your parents' home safer for years to come.