Many seniors with Parkinson’s don’t work with physical therapists until mobility issues are clearly noticeable. However, there are things seniors with Parkinson’s can do to promote mobility, sometimes even delaying or reducing the severity of movement-related problems as the disease progresses. Here are ways to promote mobility in seniors with Parkinson’s.Â
Plan Daily Physical Activities
Physical activity doesn’t always have to include a workout or exercise routine. Any type of physical activity, from gardening to taking a walk around the neighborhood, can help seniors maintain mobility. Additional daily physical activities may include:Â
- Getting up and walking around the room during TV commercials
- Walking to visit close neighbors instead of calling them on the phone
- Going for a walk with a grandchild or exercise buddy
As Parkinson’s advances, stiffness and rigidity can affect the limbs and make it more difficult to benefit from land-based exercise. Exercising in water is a great alternative because the buoyancy of the water reduces pressure on the body while still providing enough resistance to strengthen muscles. If your loved one exercises in a heated pool, he or she can also benefit from increased circulation.Â
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a homecare agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Encourage Participation in Group Exercise Programs
Many communities offer exercise programs designed specifically for seniors. After receiving their doctors’ approval, there’s no reason most seniors with Parkinson’s can’t participate in many of these types of classes. You may even want to consider going to an exercise class with your loved one to break the ice, or you can encourage him or her to go with a group of friends. The more social you make exercising, the higher the likelihood your loved one will enjoy the activity and look forward to it.Â
Don’t Do Everything for Your Loved One
When caring for a senior with Parkinson’s disease, it’s tempting to want to offer assistance with everything. Instead, encourage your loved one to do as much as he or she can safely do without help. Many seniors with Parkinson’s are still capable of getting around with a little motivation and minimal supervision. However, it’s important to note that as the disease progresses, additional monitoring and live-in care will likely be required.Â
Mobility issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Huntsville, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Provide Support & Encouragement
Some seniors with Parkinson’s tend to withdraw from physical activities because they’re afraid of falling. Provide reassurance and remind your loved one that you’ll be right there with him or her. When you’re not able to be there, make sure your loved one has a cell phone within reach, or consider purchasing a medical alert device to provide an added sense of security. For total peace of mind, you may also want to consider hiring a professional Parkinson’s caregiver, who can promote safety and maximize comfort.Â
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care. Huntsville, AL, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (256) 716-9940.