Managing challenging behaviors that occur with Alzheimer’s is a huge responsibility for caregivers. Agitation often occurs when seniors experience changes in their daily routines that lead to boredom or make it difficult for them to find positive outlets for their energy. This is why exercise is frequently recommended for minimizing agitation and helping family members care for their senior loved ones.
Follow the Recommended Guidelines
Seniors with Alzheimer’s should consider exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes at a time to ease their agitation. This recommendation is also helpful for addressing other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Seniors who haven’t been exercising regularly should get their physicians’ approval first and start out slowly until they’re comfortable with working out three days a week. While it’s okay for your loved one to exercise more frequently, you may find it helpful to alternate his or her daily workouts between easy and challenging so he or she doesn’t get overtired.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Understand How Exercise Soothes Agitation
It’s important for you, your loved one, and other caregivers to be on the same page regarding the importance of exercise to ensure the routine is maintained. Agitation related to Alzheimer’s is usually caused when a senior becomes restless or experiences boredom. Giving seniors daily opportunities to move their bodies releases energy and stimulates the production of hormones that combat stress. After exercising, seniors are more relaxed and compliant with other aspects of their daily routines.
Exercise isn’t only helpful in soothing agitation caused by Alzheimer’s but also in reducing the risk of other diseases. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands, a leading provider of elderly home care Frederick, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Choose Appropriate Types of Exercise
While your loved one may have gone to the gym frequently in his or her younger days, you should make sure the exercise routine is tailored to fit his or her current level of health. Walking is an exercise most seniors can enjoy, and you should encourage your loved one to go at his or her own pace. The idea here isn’t for your parent to be able to run a marathon but to release tension and energy. Chair exercises, swimming, and stretching are additional ideas for getting your loved one started with exercises that promote relaxation.
Incorporate Nature & Socialization
Seniors get more out of exercise when it’s combined with other elements shown to reduce agitation. For example, taking a walk through a garden or park allows your loved one to enjoy spending time in nature. Alternatively, you could arrange for your loved one to do yoga poses with a caregiver or participate in a group walk for seniors so he or she can enjoy some socialization. Giving your loved one new experiences during workouts relieves boredom and promotes positive feelings that reduce agitation.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Frederick senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. Call one of our friendly team members today at (301) 786-5045 to learn more about our customized care plans.
