Dementia is often more complicated than most people think. This condition is well-known for how it affects a person’s memory and cognitive abilities, but the symptoms don’t stop there. Dementia can also cause a person to wander and increase the risk of falls, making proper footwear important; this simple investment can help keep your loved one safe every day. So what are the best shoes for seniors living with dementia?
Some shoes that can help seniors living with dementia include:
- Skechers GOwalk Series
- New Balance 990v5
- Propet TravelActiv Sneakers
- Dr. Comfort Merry Jane Slippers
Why Proper Footwear Matters
For seniors living with dementia, proper footwear is more than just a fashion choice—it’s a vital component of their daily safety and comfort. As dementia progresses, it can significantly affect a person’s mobility and balance, making the right shoes essential for navigating their environment safely.
Dementia can impact your loved one’s spatial awareness and coordination, which can quickly increase the risk of trips and falls. This is where footwear comes in; it’s the foundation that can offer stable support to help keep your loved one upright and safe.
Moreover, the right shoes can help prevent secondary health issues. Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can lead to problems like blisters, calluses, or even more serious foot conditions. For seniors with dementia who may have difficulty communicating discomfort, preventing these issues through proper footwear is crucial.
How to Pick the Right Shoes for a Senior
Selecting the perfect pair of shoes for a senior with dementia requires careful consideration. You need to look for a pair that’s comfortable, supportive, easy to use, and durable.
Remember the last time you wore a pair of uncomfortable shoes—it probably felt like there was constant resistance every time you took a step. When buying shoes for a loved one with dementia, look for shoes with soft, cushioned insoles and ample padding around the heel and ankle areas.
Meanwhile, shoes with good arch support and a firm heel counter can help maintain proper foot alignment and reduce the risk of falls. For seniors with specific foot conditions like flat feet or high arches, try to keep an eye out for shoes with removable insoles that can accommodate custom orthotics.
Ease of use is just as important. Try to think about features like velcro straps or elastic laces—this makes it much easier for your loved one to put them on and take them off. These simple features mean your loved one won’t have to bend or move in uncomfortable ways to force a pair of shoes on; instead, they can slip them on easily and get ready to go.
Finally, think about durability. The materials used make a significant difference! You’ll want a pair that can withstand daily wear and tear, like slip-resistant soles that provide traction on various surfaces. Leather or mesh are also great options for breathability to make things much more comfortable for your loved one.
Shoes for Seniors with Dementia
So what shoes meet these requirements? Some ideal shoes include:
- The Silverts Alzheimer’s line. This is a type of shoe specifically designed for seniors living with dementia; with features like larger velcro straps and additional padding, these shoes offer a simple but effective option for your loved one.
- The Sketchers GO Walk line. These shoes are designed to be supportive, breathable, and comfortable at all times. Even though these are considered workout shoes, they’re an excellent choice for a senior in your life—the shoes incorporate slip-on features to make them much easier to access.
- The New Balance line. The shoes from this line are well-known for their long history of comfort and convenience. The New Balance line of shoes is designed to be durable, long-lasting, and comfortable, making them an excellent option for seniors.
- The Propet TravelActiv Sneakers. This slip-on option is an excellent choice, coming in all kinds of vibrant colors and options. These shoes offer additional flexibility without compromising the support they provide, offering a constant stable foundation for your loved one.
These are all excellent choices for a senior in your life!
Tips for Ensuring a Proper Fit
Getting the right fit is the final step; after all, wearing the wrong size is far from comfortable. Make sure that you:
- Measure your loved one’s feet properly, as this can change over the years due to muscle loss or swelling. Measure both feet; there may be some variation!
- Try on shoes with the types of socks your loved one typically wears.
- Leave a small space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe; this allows for some minor movement and avoids discomfort.
- Have your loved one walk for a few minutes wearing the shoes to test comfort and stability.
- Look for signs of discomfort, like limping or uneven wear on the soles; this may indicate an improper fit.
- Replace old or worn-out shoes as needed to maintain proper support and safety.
This can help make sure that your loved one gets a pair that actually supports them and offers the stability they need to stay safe.
Step Towards a Safer Lifestyle
Choosing the right shoes for seniors with dementia is an important step toward giving them safety and independence, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Remember—dementia is extremely complicated, and there may be a point where your loved one needs professional support.
If this is the case, come talk to our team at The Fairways at Naples! Our community can support your loved one every day. Just like their shoes are their foundation every day, our community can be a solid foundation for your loved one’s lifestyle. Schedule a visit with us today!
