Protecting Seniors From Falls

Accidental falls are the most common cause of injury in seniors over the age of 65. Falling can lead to a broken hip, fracture or even death. This is why it is important to take the steps to prevent a fall from happening in the first place. The following tips are designed to protect the elderly from accidental falls at home.

• Keep Up With Their Health: Your senior should be keeping up with their appointments to ensure they are in good health. You want to make sure they are not having any problems with their bones or muscles, and do not be afraid to remind them to sit down if they are feeling weak or dizzy. You should also remind them to take it slow if they get lightheaded from standing up too quickly.
• Help Them Keep Their Balance: You may not be able to keep them from falling around the clock, and this is why it is vital to help your senior keep their own balance. Start by helping them choose low-heeled shoes that are comfortable, supportive and feature nonskid soles. If they need a cane or walker, make sure it is fitted and replace the rubber tips as needed.
• Encourage Them To Exercise: Exercising daily keeps the body flexible and strong. There are various exercises that also help to improve their strength and balance. Walking is a great way to slow down the bone loss from osteoporosis.
• Living With Pets: Your senior is not going to want to give up their beloved pet, but you can train their pet not to jump or get under their feet. It never hurts to invest in a collar with a bell so they always know when their pet is near them.

You may need to make changes to their home to prevent an accidental fall.

• Use Lower Shelves: There are many falls that occur from standing on a chair or stool to reach a specific item. Encourage your senior to store their belongings on lower shelves so they do not have to climb or stand on a chair. You can also invest in a reaching stick for the items that are still too high. If necessary, replace the taller shelves with shorter shelves so reaching an item will not be an issue.
• Be Mindful of Stairs: Falling down the stairs is another common cause of injury in seniors. Make sure the railing is sturdy and in good condition, and install sturdy handrails on the wall of the staircase. You should also make sure there is enough light at the top and bottom of the stairs. Do not forget to check the stairs for loose pieces such as carpet or nails.
• Bathroom Safety: The bathroom is another cause of accidental falls, especially with the slippery surfaces and floor. Start preventing falls by installing grab bars near the bathtub, shower, and toilet, and place a non-skid mat in the bathtub or shower. Your senior may need to use a bath bench or shower chair. A hand-held shower head is another way to keep the bathroom safe.
• Prevent Trips and Slips: Every path in their home should be clear of items they could trip over, such as electrical cords and pet toys. Repair or remove hazards such as loose carpet and raised doorway thresholds. Remind them to clean their spills right away, and to only use nonskid floor wax when cleaning.

It is important to protect the elderly from accidental falls as soon as possible. You do not want to wait until tragedy strikes to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle and home.

Safe and Simple Exercises to Improve Balance

The most common cause of accidental injury for adults over the age of 65 is falling. This leads to serious injuries such as a hip fracture or trauma to the brain, as well as a fatal injury. Seniors can avoid falls and injuries by improving their balance, which can be done through physical activity. Physical activity improves their ability to control and maintain their position when they are moving or still. Use the following safe and simple exercises to improve balance for the elderly.

• Stretching The Lower Limbs: Tight muscles can lead to stumbling and falling, which is why stretching the lower limbs is an important part of improving balance. A simple exercise for seniors would be to sit on a chair and extend their right leg in front of them. The senior is going to loop an old necktie or resistance band around the sole of their foot. The next step is to grip the ends of the band and gently pull it back, which should result in the senior feeling a stretch in their calf muscle. Seniors can also use basic stretches for their quads, hamstrings and hip flexors. The stretches should be repeated up to four times on each side. Stretching loosens the muscles and increases blood circulation, and this helps seniors to stand or walk without stumbling.
• One-Legged Stands: What seems like a simple exercise is actually a big part of improving balance. The senior starts by standing behind a sturdy chair so they can grasp it lightly for support. They are going to draw their right foot up toward their left knee and hold the position for about ten seconds. Once they lower their foot, they are going to repeat the steps with their left foot. Seniors should repeat the steps three to five times per leg. When seniors become used to the exercise, they can progress by increasing the duration of each repetition. They can also close their eyes, cross their arms over their chest or balance on an uneven surface. Seniors who progress over time are likely to improve their balance.
• Walking Heel to Toe: Walking heel to toe is a great exercise, as seniors must maintain their balance regardless of how far they are walking. The exercise starts with the senior positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of their other foot. The heel and toes should nearly touch or touch. They must focus on one spot ahead of them, as this keeps them steady as they walk. The senior takes a step by putting their heel in front of the toes of their other foot. Seniors should repeat this exercise for 20 steps to improve balance as they walk.
• Balance Walk: Seniors start off the balance walk by extending their arms out to the sides, but make sure their arms remain at shoulder height. The next step is to focus on one spot ahead so they remain steady as they walk. Seniors start moving by walking in a straight line, with one foot in front of the other foot. They are going to lift their back leg and hold it for one second before stepping forward. This exercise should be repeated with 20 steps while alternating legs.

There is no age limit to physical activity, and it is important for seniors to exercise as much as possible. Seniors who do not stay active increase their risk of injury. It is important to find safe and simple exercises that improve balance for the elderly. Encouraging seniors to stay active goes a long way when it comes to their mental and physical well-being.

Relieving Arthritis Pain In Hands

Chronic pain is one of the toughest problems to treat. 23% of adults are diagnosed with pain syndromes every year, but once you pass the age of 65, that number rises to 50%. Painkillers become less effective if you use them every day. Medication is a core part of treatment, but other techniques can stretch out the usefulness of prescription care.

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis in elderly people. It causes cartilage loss and inflammation. It catches patients in an infinite feedback loop, with pain causing lost motion, which causes, even more, pain, which leads to more lost motion. Stopping that first domino from falling is the most important part of pain management, but using exercise to treat pain in the hands requires more than a simple romp in a swimming pool. Straightening and releasing a fist improves motion, but joints shouldn’t be forced. Use grip strengtheners if arthritis hasn’t caused actual damage yet. You can use soft foam balls instead if your patient or loved one needs gentler strength training.

Encouraging movement is one of the best ways to manage pain. Strong muscles support the joints and melt away stiffness. The Arthritis Foundation advises just over two hours’ moderate exercise a week, but elderly patients may need the support of heated water. Bath time is a good opportunity for hand exercises.

Without occupational therapy, the hard work of exercising can be reversed, so your patients must be taught how to stop putting stress on their joints. Provide large grip toothbrushes, easy-to-grip pens, and similar tools to support this tier of care. Jar openers and easy-grip utensils can take plenty of frustration out of your day. Adjusting position while writing and doing other tasks that entail repetitive hand movements will help stave off pain, too. Regular breaks also help.

If your client or loved one has ‘trigger finger’, a doctor must find out whether it’s caused by overuse or arthritis, because exercising an overused hand does more harm than good. Braces and splints can be worn at night if there’s wrist pain and tingling. A hand specialist can make custom braces for fingers and hands.

Prevention

Painkillers like codeine and morphine have short lifespans because you build up a tolerance to their effects, but there are alternatives. Gabapentin relieves nerve pain well and often has fewer side effects than anti-inflammatories. Cymbalta has also been approved for chronic pain. Muscle relaxants have their place because when joints are strained out of their normal range of motion, it can cause painful muscle spasms. When you can’t use anti-inflammatories because your patient’s stomach is irritated, lidocaine and patches can obliterate mild pain.

The body takes care of itself in many ways, and one of those is to release hyaluronic acid into sore joints. In the early stages of arthritis, injections of this chemical can treat pain effectively for years. Corticosteroids are useful alternatives to opiates.

Assistive Devices

Modern technology has worked wonders with the tools that make life easier for hand arthritis sufferers. Living aids aren’t just there to make tasks easier to perform, but to prevent pain, too. Push-to-open containers and button hook grips are just two examples. There are even shoelaces designed purely for hand arthritis sufferers.

Chronic pain can cause depression, so any arthritis sufferer should be monitored for their moods and quality of life. Creating a judgment-free environment for elderly sufferers will help you to identify the emotional effects of pain. Insomnia can be caused by pain and depression. Relaxing exercises like meditation and yoga won’t just lift moods but relieve pain as well.

The Importance of Bereavement Counseling for In-Home Caregivers

The Baby Boomer generation is coming into their final years and this is seeing more individuals than ever in this country needing in-home care. In-home caregivers are sometimes family members but often they are professional caregivers who work for one or more families. It is expected that family caregivers experience grief at the loss of their loved one, but rarely is it recognized that bereavement counseling is something that can greatly benefit professional caregivers as well. Let’s take a look at both these situations in order to understand the bereavement process.

The Family Caregiver

When a family member is the primary caregiver of a loved one, there is time to adjust to the fact that your loved one is going to pass over eventually. Many family caregivers are able to adjust to this idea and, while grieving is still natural, they are more able to move on with life when the time comes. With these individuals, the bereavement process rarely lasts longer than a year.

Approximately ten to fifteen percent of family caregivers don’t fare as well. These individuals may experience chronic depression and some enter a complicated grieving process that can last for years. Many factors can contribute to this depression, including personality differences and being the sole caregiver. Individuals in this category need bereavement counseling in order to process the emotions surrounding the loss.

Professional Caregivers

When caring for an elderly patient is your job, people expect you to remain professional and unattached. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Professional caregivers are human and taking care of the daily intimate needs of someone makes it difficult not to become attached. In some cases, the professional caregiver sees the patient nearly every day for months or years. When the patient passes, there is a sense of loss that can be nearly as strong as that of a family caregiver.

Professional caregivers can experience this loss numerous times each year and the feelings end up accumulating over time. To experience death over and over again can result in depression and loss of control. No matter how well you do your job, you will lose your patient in the end. Having the support of others who understand this unique position is essential in being able to care for patients and still maintain a sense of normalcy in your home life.

Burnout in professional caregivers is extremely high. Not only is some form of bereavement counseling necessary, it is also recommended that professional caregivers be given a break from terminal patients every so often in order to allow time to process the complex feelings involved in the grieving process.

Regardless of whether the person needing care is a family member or a patient, giving of yourself daily takes it toll. As a human, you can’t help but become attached to some extent to someone you care for during this vulnerable stage of life. It is necessary to recognize the signs of depression and burnout and to seek out the necessary emotional support. In the end, by recognizing your grief and allowing it expression, you can deal with the emotions involved and return to a more even keel without placing yourself in emotional danger.

Osteoporosis: Facts, Symptoms, Treatment

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone thinning. This means that it can make your bones lose calcium and other minerals. The result is that they can become more likely to fracture.

What Are Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?

Being a menopausal female.  Women have a higher risk of the disease than men do, especially as they get older.

Having low body weight.  Women who have low body weight and small frames are at a particularly high risk for the disease.

Genetics.  Your family history plays a major role in whether you will get the disease or not.

Race.  White and Asian women face the highest risk of the disease while black and Hispanic women have a lower risk.

Lifestyle.  If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you will face a greater likelihood of getting osteoporosis when compared to someone with a more active lifestyle. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks per day) can also lead to osteoporosis. While you are not able to change all of the risk factors for this condition, you can change some of them.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease due to the fact that early on it may not cause any symptoms. However, it may cause a dull pain in the bones or muscles as it progresses. In the more advanced stages, a person with osteoporosis may feel sharp pains or tenderness in the neck or lower back.

When to Seek Medical Care for Osteoporosis

If you have already gone through menopause and are dealing with nagging pains in your neck or lower back, you should see a physician. If you are at high risk of developing the disease, you may have to undergo bone density screening. If you suspect a fracture of your wrist or hip, you should go to your hospital’s emergency department immediately.

Testing for Osteoporosis

The first step that the doctor will take will be to look at your history to figure out if you are at risk for the disease. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and other health issues that you may have. You may also be asked about your family history with regard to osteoporosis and whether you have had broken bones in the past. Your doctor may conduct a blood test to measure your levels of vitamins and minerals as well as of testosterone. Your kidney and thyroid function may also be tested.

Along with those tests, may also be required to undergo a bone mineral density test to measure the density of bones in various parts of your body. This test can determine whether you have osteoporosis before you experience a fracture and can actually be used to predict fractures before they occur. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment that your doctor has prescribed.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis treatment includes changes to your diet and lifestyle along with medications, if necessary. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on your likelihood of experiencing a broken bone over the next ten years as indicated by your bone density test. If you are not at a high risk, your treatment may not include medication.

The two main types of osteoporosis medication are drugs that slow bone loss and drugs that increase bone mass. Dietary changes will include increasing your intake of foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D.

Combating Loneliness for Seniors During the Holidays

Holiday loneliness and depression are common among many people of all ages. For seniors, though, the loneliness of the holiday season can be much more difficult. In many cases, this is due to the loss of loved ones, includes spouses, friends and family, that made the holidays enjoyable and special for them in past years.

If you’re the friend or family member of a loved one dealing with holiday loneliness, there are some things you can do to help. Even paid caretakers can help ease the burden of holiday loneliness with a little effort. You may not be able to create the perfect holiday season for them, but reducing pain and discomfort during the season is possible.

Plan Activities

Many seniors begin to feel lonely around the holidays because the people they used to spend time with are no longer a part of their lives in the same way. Some may have passed, while others may not be healthy enough for regular activities. Other friends and family may be involved in holiday activities with younger family members like their children, not allowing time for other social gatherings.

One of the best things you can do for these seniors is to plan activities that help to fill the time during the holiday season. Everything from watching classic holiday movies to having a wrapping party can keep seniors busy and make them feel a bit less lonely.

Planning small parties, dinners and time out of the house, if possible, can also make a huge difference. Sometimes taking a senior to simply buy a holiday gift can brighten the season for them.

Make Time To Talk

A lot of seniors feel lonely around the holidays after a spouse or close friends have passed away. These feelings may be hard to talk about for some, but for others, talking and openly grieving can actually relieve the burden and pain they’re feeling.

Whether you’re helping an elderly parent or simply taking care of a senior, sitting down to talk about the memories of somebody that has recently passed can be very beneficial. You can even do this when you’re working on other activities like decorating their home for the holidays.

Of course, you shouldn’t force anyone to talk about their feelings if they aren’t ready. For some, it may take months or years before they feel comfortable opening up about the passing of a loved one during the holiday season.

Make Holiday-Related Tasks Easier

For some seniors, feelings of holiday loneliness and sadness around the holidays have more to do with a loss of control or a lack of ability to do the things they once used to do. Even things like buying gifts or setting up holiday parties can be very hard for seniors.

To help, take some of the burdens off of the senior in your life. Offer to do some of the holiday shopping or organize an event for them. You can even invite them to your holiday party and have them create their own guest list.

By helping seniors do the things they used to do during the holiday season you can ease loneliness and feelings of disability. That can make the holiday season a whole lot more enjoyable for older adults.

Helping the Elderly Cope with the Death of a Spouse

Dealing with the death of a spouse can be very difficult for people of any age. For older adults, though, the loss can be particularly traumatic since so many years with the same person have likely passed. That deep bond that once tied a couple together can be quickly severed, leaving one person to cope with an enormous weight.

Grieving is natural and normal when a person loses a spouse, but there are some things you can do to help an elderly loved one cope. Use this guide to do what you can to help someone in mourning get through the process as gracefully as possible.

Take Care of Day-to-Day Tasks

When a spouse dies, day-to-day tasks are likely to fall by the wayside very quickly. The concept of getting up in the morning and paying bills or doing things like laundry – things that seemed very easy before – can become nearly impossible.

If you’re caring for a parent or relative, taking care of some of these basic things can ease their burden and allow them to grieve. Even handling meal preparation and basic home maintenance like cleaning can go a long way.

Don’t Force Conversation

The way some elderly individuals deal with grieving may not be to immediately talk about their sense of loss or loneliness. Even though these things can be healthy, not everybody is ready to open up soon after a major trauma. Some people may need to process information for months or even years before they really feel comfortable speaking on the topic.

While you may want to do everything you can to ease a person’s burden, forcing conversation isn’t going to help. It can even put undue stress on somebody that’s already going through a major unwanted change in their life.

Make Plans

Being alone and mourning are a natural part of the process when a spouse dies. You can’t push somebody to get back out into the world too much, but suggesting things that may beneficial is often helpful.

Talk about fun trips you could take, friends you could see or even rewarding activities that the grieving person may want to take on. Everything from volunteer opportunities to simply working in the garden or on a hobby can make the grieving process less painful.

Be Present

It might seem fairly obvious that when somebody is grieving they won’t want to be alone with their emotions and thoughts. The problem is that people don’t always make it clear that they need emotional support. Some individuals may even tell you they want to be alone and don’t want you around.

Of course, you can respect their wishes, but you need to make it clear that you are available. If the grieving individual is willing to have company, take the time to simply be present.

You don’t have to do anything, in particular, other than being in the room with a person who is going through such a trauma to make a difference.

Avoid Negativity

Sometimes the grieving process is complicated when a relationship was fraught with issues. The same can be true if you have issues with a parent you’re trying to help get through the mourning of their spouse.

While you may have negative feelings, airing them right away likely won’t help either of you. If you have strong feelings about the grieving or the recently deceased, chances are you need some time to process the event as well.

Allow a few weeks or months to pass before discussing painful topics that are not urgent.

6 Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

For the uninitiated, it may seem that taking care of another, whether a stranger or a loved one, doesn’t involve much more than managing daily living. The reality, however, is very different. This role is one of the most difficult to handle on a day-to-day basis and burnout is common.

These tips could help you minimize the stress and prevent emotional and physical overload:

1. Boundaries. Of all the ways to cope best with being a care provider, setting your boundaries may be the most difficult. However, when others know what you are capable of and willing to do, lines of communication will be open and there will be fewer misunderstandings.
2. Get enough sleep and eat well. A healthy diet and enough sleep keep you feeling your best mentally and physically. Caregiving is a demanding job that doesn’t necessarily guarantee any rewards, especially if you’re doing it for a family member. When you feel good, it’ll be much easier to face the many challenges that care providers encounter.
3. Have a support group. Whether you find a local support group or go online, you’ll find sympathetic ears and realistic advice for coping with your role as a caregiver. Other care providers like you are on the front lines and know first-hand what the role entails. Being able to express your feelings in a nonjudgmental environment helps release the inevitable tensions and frustrations this role often entails.
4. Educate yourself. Learn as much about the health of the person for whom you’re providing care. Some aspects of the aging process change behaviors and this knowledge will help you cope. The knowledge may also help you respond more appropriately, which provides innumerable benefits for the person you’re helping.It may also help you deal with conditions when the patient doesn’t respond to the care you provide, especially those with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. It’s human nature to expect a positive response from the person you’re helping, and when it’s not forthcoming, knowing their limits will reduce your feelings of discouragement or inadequacy.
5. Maintain interests and hobbies. If it’s physically possible, continue to spend your time in personally rewarding activities that you can enjoy when you have some spare time while caregiving. Crafts like knitting and crocheting don’t require much of an investment and take little space. Playing games on a smartphone or tablet also help break up the day. Reading, whether it’s from an electronic reader or a book, is rewarding and informative. Listening to podcasts and watching streaming videos are also good ways to escape and refresh without having to physically get away.
6. Identify respite care providers in your area. Respite care is designed for both caregivers and their clients. They offer a chance for primary caregivers to get away and know that they’re leaving their client or loved on in good hands. Respite care providers can take over for a few hours or a few days, depending on your particular needs. Some professional organizations even have members who volunteer their services to help primary caregivers as a courtesy.

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to give your best whether the day goes smoothly or you’re facing difficult situations. Maintaining a sense of well-being will help you approach your responsibilities as a caregiver with a fresh and positive attitude.

6 Tips for Better Communication with the Elderly

Elderly individuals grew up in a time that was completely different than what we face today. With the Baby Boomers quickly entering the later stage of life, it is becoming necessary to learn effective ways of communicating with this generation. In order to be able to connect to the elderly individuals in your life, it is important to understand not only how they see the world, but also what challenges they may be facing now that they are aging.

Challenges to Communication

The elderly go through physical, psychological and social changes that have a great impact on how they see the world and how easy or difficult they find it to communicate with those around them. These changes need to be understood in order to prevent frustration on your part. This is particularly important if the elderly individual is a parent.

*Physical changes include the obvious joint pain from arthritis, thinner skin, eye problems and loss of hearing. Mobility is often limited.

*Psychological changes involve issues such as short-term memory loss, confusion, and depression brought on by the loss of independence.

*Social changes are brought about by moves to a nursing home, loss of ability to drive and the passing of old friends.

Things You Can Do

The elderly often experience good days and bad ones. Pain can cause irritability and loss of concentration. Depression can come across as anger or apathy. The need to keep some essence of control is important and anything that threatens this can cause the individual to shut down, strike out in anger, or simply ignore you. Here are some things that will help you make the best of any conversation.

1. Be Patient – It takes longer to gather thoughts as you age. Don’t try to finish sentences or supply words unless asked. Be patient and allow the individual time to gather their thoughts. Feeling pressured will make it more difficult.

2. Ask, Don’t Order – The temptations to treat an elderly person like a child can result in you being bossy. This not only indicates disrespect but also is a reminder of what the person has lost. Ask the individual to do things, don’t just tell them they have to do it.

3. Give Choices – The more choices the individual has, the more control he’ll feel he has over his life. Whenever possible, word requests as choices.

4, Use “I” Language – Describe things in terms of how “I” instead of “you”. For example, say “I feel frustrated.” rather than “You are making me frustrated”. Feeling attacked will cause defensive behavior.

5. Don’t Change Topics – At least, don’t do so quickly. Remember that the elderly brain requires more time to process information. Quickly changing topics will leave them confused as to what is being discussed.

6. Actively Listen – Watch for eye movements and body language to help you understand what is wanted. This will help greatly when the person can’t think of the correct word for something. Body language will also help you see when the individual is becoming upset or is getting tired and needs a break.

Learning to empathize with the elderly individuals in your life will help greatly in effective communication. Ask yourself how you would feel in their position, try to understand what all they have lost, and give them the respect they deserve. This will all add up to a better interaction for both of you.

Tips for Safely Walking with the Elderly

As you and/or your loved ones get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain independence. Mobility issues are the main concern for those of an advanced age, and the statistics on falls are staggering. If you are a caretaker for an elderly parent or patient with such mobility issues, one way to support them is by assisting them in their daily activities so that they can continue being independent and have their dignity. While you care for them, follow the five tips below that will help you safely walk with your elderly loved one.

Physical Limitations

Everyone has their physical limitations, but those limitations are multiplied when they concern elderly persons with low mobility. As their caretaker, you need to be aware of them and take them into consideration as you assist your patient to walk.

• Allow them to set the pace and follow it
• Rest whenever they need to—schedule it into your route
• Take into consideration the return walk

Be Informed and Prepared

Know and understand the history and condition of the elderly person you are walking with.

• Be aware of any injuries on the legs, ankles, and feet that could make walking extra difficult
• Are they having trouble breathing
• Do they have a history of falling under specific circumstances
• Is there anything in their medical history that would increase their risk of falling like seizures, fainting, or diabetes

Awareness of Surroundings and Conditions

This is an especially important step for elderly people’s safety. You are responsible for making sure the path they are going to walk is free from obstructions and potential safety hazards.

• Distractions—no kids on skateboards or where people can bump into them, no loud areas, no high traffic areas
• Terrain—no rough or uneven places, no stairs, no slippery areas
• Consider the weather—they might get short winded in the higher temperature weather

Encourage, Don’t Force

Encourage daily walking, but don’t force or make them feel bad if they don’t want to. Remember that this walk is for the elderly person you are caring for and not for you. Let them set their own goals.

• Do they just want to take an after meal stroll for fresh air, are they wanting to get exercise, or are they walking to regain full mobility
• Have a backup exercise plan ready so that they can still be active without having to walk
• Let the person choose where they wish to walk and distance
• Build it into a routine so that it doesn’t feel like work or an obligation

Be Their Security

As a caretaker, you are responsible for the safety of the elderly person charged to your care. You must be their security, which means sometimes being an extra set of eyes and legs for them.

• Assure them that you are right by their side. There’s no better way to do this than to actually be by their side. Stay close to them so that they know you are there.
• Let them take your arm as often as they like. Likewise, gently take their arm when you realize they might be struggling to take that next step.
• Walk with and beside of them, never behind or in front.

Caring for the elderly comes with additional responsibilities. Part of that is making sure they maintain their dignity and independence. Assuring them that you are right by their side when walking with them is one of the biggest ways of doing that. There are detailed steps you can take to make sure they can walk safely on their own, but the steps above should be taken when you are walking with them.