Functional limitations cause not only individual loss of self-esteem and quality of life, but also increased social and financial burdens on families, caregivers, society and the community. Family members may need to adjust their expectations in order to care for the affected individual, resulting in changes in family routine and activities, as well as potentially a loss of income as a direct or indirect consequence of loss of time available for remunerative employment.
It is important that caregivers are informed and educated on not just the disease processes affecting their cared-for person, but also how to manage symptoms and experiences, and prioritize and have access to resources that may decrease the caregiving burden. Such resources can be beneficial for both caregivers and care recipients in alleviating anxiety and stress, and in promoting health for all persons involved. Caregivers should be considered part of healthcare resources, and support for them is critical to the success of managing functional mobility problems.
Examples of clinical conditions that affect mobility of the Singapore population are osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, visual impairment and fragility.
