Seniors who have experienced strokes need to rebuild their bodies’ strength during recovery. Gaining bodily control can boost the ability to stand, walk, and repair other physical and neurological damage caused by a stroke. Here are some of the best ways for aging adults to increase their mobility after having strokes.
1. Walking
Walking at least three times per week for no less than 30 minutes each day can increase mobility and lead to a healthier lifestyle in the future. Walking can also lower blood pressure levels, which reduces the risk of a recurrent stroke. To strengthen the bones and increase balance, seniors should walk at a moderate pace and try to add 15 minutes of strength training exercises after each walk.
Older adults can receive help with regular exercise by hiring trained caregivers. Home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Strength Training
Strength training can help older adults strengthen their midline stability in addition to increasing their balance and gait, which are negatively impacted after a stroke. Knee extensions without weights are good strength training exercises for seniors, as are biking, weight lifting, and dancing. These exercises are designed to make seniors stronger.
3. Doing Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a low-impact activity that has a positive effect on the ability to move around after a stroke. Being sedentary can lead to blood clots and other issues that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, or another stroke. Swimming is one of the best ways for seniors to increase their balance and flexibility. Water movements and techniques can also boost arm and leg strength and enhance mental health, strengthening areas of the brain responsible for movement.
Engaging in physical activities like swimming can help aging adults boost their body strength. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Frederick families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
4. Using Walking Aids
Using walking aids can increase mobility and reduce the risk of slips and falls, which could also prevent traumas and other health issues that increase the risk of a recurrent stroke. The most common types of walking aids for seniors to use post-stroke include canes and walkers. These devices require seniors to utilize their strength without overdoing it.
5. Recognizing Limits
Although it’s important for older adults to remain active after strokes to increase balance and mobility, they shouldn’t overdo it. Stress the importance of boundaries with your parent. Failing to recognize limits could cause other physical impairments or increase the risk of another stroke. Remind your loved one to ask for assistance when attempting tasks he or she cannot handle. Staying within his or her limits could boost your loved one’s recovery odds and overall quality of life. When it comes to stroke care, family caregivers might need assistance to look after the daily needs of an aging loved one. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Frederick families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
