It is critical to select appropriate footwear to reduce the likelihood of potentially dangerous falls. Injury from falls sends more than 800,000 seniors to the hospital each year, including head or hip injuries.
Injuries among seniors are primarily the result of falls. It’s possible that finding the perfect pair of shoes will be difficult, but doing some research and seeking professional advice will help make a choice more manageable.
When people get older, gait patterns can be impaired, which can raises their chance of falling, and if they aren’t wearing appropriate footwear, then the risk increases. For example, seniors should avoid shoes with thin soles, or high heels. In addition, shoes with laces present an additional risk if the laces come untied. Elastic shoelaces can be another great alternative to regular laces if the laces come untied often.
Dementia can increase the risk of falling for seniors and make it difficult for them ambulate safely. Hence, shoes designed for people with dementia must provide the highest level of protection possible while supporting their mobility. As a result, the footwear worn by someone with dementia needs to provide adequate support, be comfortable, and be simple to put on and take off.
Continue reading to find out what to look for when selecting shoes for those living with dementia and some of the best available alternatives.
5 Best Shoes For Seniors Living With Dementia
Walking shoes are most likely to be the most beneficial shoe for older adults with dementia. Unfortunately, sandals, slippers, and designs focused more on fashion tend to fall short when compared to these shoes because of their athletic-oriented design and materials that are both comfortable and supportive.
As people get older, their feet tend to get flatter and wider, so most of the options listed below come with removable insoles that can be adjusted to fit the width of your loved one’s feet. Additionally, they may have space for a wide range of orthotics if your loved one requires additional arch support.
Medicare may pay a portion of the cost of certain shoes for people diagnosed with dementia. Make sure to save all of the receipts for your relative’s medical expenses, especially if they itemize them, so that you may submit them for possible reimbursement. If your loved one is also diabetic, Medicare may cover diabetic shoes (make sure to check & see).
So now you know what to look for in shoes for someone with dementia; here are some of the best shoes on the market right now.
1. Zumeijia Women’s Diabetic Shoes
The Zumeijia line of diabetic shoes strikes the ideal balance between stylishness, coziness, and support. It is really convenient to put on and take off because of the velcro closures. In addition, when you walk or stand, the non-slip air cushion sole would give you the traction you need to avoid slipping, so you won’t have to worry about falling.
In addition to this, it has a strap that can be adjusted, enabling the wearer to customize the width of the shoe anywhere from a small width to a large width.
Features:
- Velcro strap
- Anti-slip film
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Air cushion design
2. Kapsen Non-Slip Shoes for Men living with Dementia
This shoe is made out of a combination of high-tech and natural materials, and it features a foam insole that is both comfortable and incredibly lightweight. In addition, it has been carefully constructed for a certain aesthetic. The integrated cushioning base offers a middle ground between responsiveness and the ability to absorb impact.
A low-top design that has been carefully developed gives a lightweight, form-fitting fit that allows for ankle movement. The lightweight foam midsole is supportive, pliable, and helps to smooth out the transition from the heel to the toe. They adjust to the contours of your foot to give you a feeling of stability. Your forefoot is cushioned with comfortable and long-lasting foam that helps to facilitate smooth transitions.
Features:
- Memory foam insole
- Non-slip
- Comfortable lining
- Excellent traction
3. Zeba Hands-Free Sneakers
With its innovative lacing-free design, Zeba’s trendy shoes are a perfect option for seniors. In addition, the absence of buttons and zippers means that they may be put on while you’re still standing. Also, you won’t risk losing your balance as much if you don’t have to bend to tie your shoes.
Leaning over or bending over to put on shoes is a common difficulty for older people. From a seated posture, many people are unable to lean over or bend over safely. You can easily slip these shoes on without bending or leaning forward. It was made with the particular intention of making the task of getting shoes off and on easier.
These sneakers are perfect for walking or jogging, thanks to their detachable insoles and their ability to accommodate orthotic insoles. This might be the perfect pair of shoes if you’re always seeking a quick, simple way to slip on and take off your footwear. These shoe styles are available in a wide selection, and they all provide excellent arch and ankle support.
For those with a bad back or those who have recently had surgery, these may be some of the best shoes you can buy. A stable, non-slip surface and a soft, wearable design reduce the risk of tripping and falling. In addition, with the 30-day return/exchange policy, you have plenty of time to try out the shoes and determine whether they fit your needs.
Features:
- Slip-resistant
- Comfortable
- Easy to wear
- Excellent arch support
4. Skechers Men’s Cessnock Food Service Shoe
These slip-resistant work shoes incorporate cutting-edge innovations for both comfort and performance, so your feet will feel incredible while you’re wearing them. The upper of this slip-resistant work shoe contains a blend of mesh and synthetic materials, which contributes to the creative design that was used in the shoe’s construction.
The midsole is made from a lightweight foam that offers cushioning for use throughout the day, while the rubber outsoles are built with deep flex grooves that offer grip on various surfaces.
Features:
- Water and stain resistant
- Non-slip
- Memory foam insole
- Soft lining
5. Kizik Madrid Eco-Knit
Kizik Shoes can be a great option for persons who require a little assistance when putting on shoes, such as individuals who, due to physical limitations or medical issues, have difficulties reaching down.
As your foot moves forward, the heel will collapse to make room for it, and then, owing to an internal titanium spring; it will bounce back up to its original position behind your foot.
Now, to put it another way, Kizik shoes are similar to loafers in that they can be easily put on and taken off, but once they are on, they provide a secure fit. You can use this link here to save $20 off your purchase.
Features:
- Hands-free
- Enhanced breathability
- High-density foam insoles
- Durable
Things to Consider When Buying Shoes For People With Dementia
There are key things you need to consider when you buy shoes for a loved one. Here are those things that you need to consider. Scroll down to read below.
1. Shoes That Are Simple to Slip on And Off
The easier it is to put on a pair of shoes, and the comfier they are, the more content your loved ones will be when they are wearing them. Shoes with velcro closures or elastic laces provide an easier way to get shoes off and on, which can be helpful if the person has difficulty problem solving or following directions.
2. Proper Support
Get rid of those slippers without backs; the fact that they’re convenient to put on does not guarantee they’re the best choice. Shoes should have backs, along with offering good support.
Cushioning helps to mitigate the impact of your foot striking the ground by soaking up and spreading out the shock caused by the collision. As a result, your hips and back feel less pain due to the contact. If your loved one has a habit of stumbling or knocking into things with their feet, you should look for shoes that have more cushioning in the top portion of the shoe.
3. Wide-Fitting
If someone experiences chronic swelling of their feet, make sure the shoes are supportive and comfortable. It is much simpler to get your foot into and out of the shoe if the hole is larger, particularly if your feet have a tendency to swell up. In addition, if you use compression socks, you should check that the shoe has adequate room for you to wear them comfortably, but also offer support so they won’t slip off.
4. Slip-Resistant Soles
It is important that the shoes’ midsoles are not overly flexible but rather strong to achieve optimal stability. When a shoe is very flexible and bends too readily, the likelihood of an older person twisting their ankle or foot and falling is significantly increased.
Compared to shoes that are light and flexible, shoes with rigid and robust soles have a tendency to be more slip-resistant. Choose shoes with a tread that is not worn out.
5. Sole Design
The perfect shoe for older people should have a sole resistant to slipping and tread, but not an excessive amount of tread. Shoes with too much tread tend to grasp at the surface, which might cause the user to trip and fall, whereas shoes with soft soles are more likely to slide around. The bottom of the shoe shouldn’t be too polished, but it also shouldn’t be very textured either.
6. Low or no Heels
When choosing shoes suitable for older people, pay close attention to the height of the heel. Because they help maintain proper posture, balance, and gait, shoes with low heels are the most effective footwear for reducing the risk of falling.
As your weight is shifted forward by heels taller than approximately an inch and a half, they create unnecessary strain on the balls and the toes of your feet. However, a totally flat shoe could be uncomfortable.
Look for heels with a broad base and a modest elevation, as this will relieve some pressure on your feet and legs.
7. Perfect Fit
The length, width, and arch profile of an older person’s feet must be considered when purchasing shoes. People with dementia who wear shoes that fit properly have a lower chance of falling, more comfort, and less pain in their joints and back.
When your shoes don’t fit properly, you lose stability, making it more difficult to maintain your balance. If your shoes are too big, you risk stumbling over them or stubbing your toe on a step or threshold. Shoes that are too small don’t provide the foot enough room to move around within, while shoes that are too broad might cause the foot to slide about inside the shoe.
According to a recent study, improving balance and reducing the likelihood of falls among seniors with dementia is one of the many benefits of wearing properly supportive arch footwear. If you are unsure how to fit shoes to your loved one’s feet correctly, you should consult their doctor or a podiatrist. You can ask their advice on whether or not they might benefit from orthotics based on their unique arch profile.
Also Read: Dementia Caregiving: A Complete Guide to Caregivers
Final Thoughts
It may take some reading, but it is well worth the time to learn how to choose shoes that will help with balance issues. When an older person with dementia has trouble maintaining their balance, selecting the appropriate footwear may dramatically minimize the likelihood of falls and the associated risk of damage.
Although not everyone has trouble bending down, if you know someone who does, it’s important to assist them in finding a pair of shoes that meets their everyday demands without sacrificing comfort.
When it comes to decreasing falls, the shoes don’t even need to look good. You may help your loved one with dementia pick the perfect pair of shoes by learning about the different kinds of shoes and their advantages.
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