A big misconception is that a senior living with Parkinson’s disease is confined to a bed, chair, or couch without the ability to move around. The truth is that exercise and social interaction are vital to the health of seniors with Parkinson’s because they can increase coordination, reduce freezing and tremors, and boost mental wellbeing. Below are some fun activities your senior loved one with Parkinson’s can enjoy.
1. Pet Sitting
Owning a pet might be too challenging for some aging adults with Parkinson’s, but pet sitting for a neighbor or family member is less complicated and a lot of fun. Being around animals can reduce boredom and enhance self-confidence. Whether seated in a chair or standing up and moving around, your loved one can get a good workout when interacting with the pets. Looking after an animal can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
2. Attending a Zumba Class
The rhythm of the songs played in a Zumba class can increase mobility in seniors with Parkinson’s, leading to better coordination and posture. Participating in fun exercise classes can reduce the risk of freezing and falling, which are common problems associated with this neurodegenerative disorder. While moving around and building muscle strength, seniors can socialize with other class members, which can help them feel better emotionally and mentally.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
3. Drawing
The objective of art therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s is to spark creativity and give them another form of communication. Merely painting a picture, drawing an object on a piece of paper, or coloring in an adult coloring book can enhance mood and strengthen the hand muscles. Give your loved one the freedom to draw what he or she likes instead of using templates. Encourage your loved one to allow his or her feelings and thoughts to come through in the artwork.
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. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Frederick, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Joining a Parkinson’s Therapy Group
There’s no such thing as too much support when it comes to seniors with Parkinson’s disease. Emotional support is essential for boosting your parent’s mental health and lowering the risk of depression, which is common in older adults living with this progressive disease. Joining a Parkinson’s therapy group allows seniors to connect with other individuals in similar situations who can share tips and fun stories. The increased social stimulation can lead to positive changes in mood and boost quality of life.
5. Gardening
Gardening is an amazing activity that lowers blood pressure, burns calories, and reduces stress. Using gardening tools can increase hand dexterity and reduce tremors in seniors with Parkinson’s. Sitting in the garden can calm the mind and body, which could increase longevity and enhance quality of life. Place a bench in your loved one’s garden, providing somewhere to sit when he or she needs to rest or simply take in the beauty of nature.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Frederick, at-home care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick, 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. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (301) 786-5045 today.
