A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can cause seniors to withdraw from normal life, especially if they’re unable to enjoy all the daily activities they once did. Here are some fun and safe activities seniors with Parkinson’s can do with their family caregivers.
1. Take an Exercise Class
Exercise is a must for seniors with Parkinson’s disease. It can help them remain mobile for longer and maintain the ability to take care of themselves without too much extra help. Regular exercise increases strength, endurance, and flexibility, and it can be a major stress reliever. Great options that are also fun include yoga, tai chi, dance, and water aerobics. Talk to a doctor about whether your loved one is healthy enough to participate in these activities.
A home caregiver can help your loved one exercise safely. Homecare services 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.
2. Go for Walks
If taking an exercise class isn’t an option, seniors should consider regular walks. This is a great way to get some exercise and get out of the house if your loved one feels withdrawn from the world. Stroll through the neighborhood together or visit a local park with tracks or nature trails. Be careful with uneven terrain. Bring along a cane or walker to help your loved one if he or she needs to rest or feels unsteady.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Miami families trust Assisting Hands Home Care 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.
3. Do Volunteer Work
Another way to prevent seniors with Parkinson’s from becoming socially isolated is to encourage them to volunteer. Even if mobility is limited, there’s always something your loved one can do. Check with your local church or senior center for volunteer opportunities for older adults. Often, these activities cater to seniors’ needs, and your loved one may even form new friendships with others in similar situations.
4. Have a Family Game Night
Family game nights can be great for seniors. Card games, board games, and even video games can keep seniors mentally and physically stimulated. Family members of all ages can get involved and bond over a game of Scrabble or Monopoly. Some doctors suggest buying Nintendo Wii systems for seniors with Parkinson’s because of the physical movements required. Your loved one can bowl, play tennis, and do other physical movements with the Wii video game console.
5. Hold a Family Karaoke Night
Consider hosting a family karaoke night. Singing is great therapy for seniors with Parkinson’s disease. It works and strengthens the vocal cords, which can help with speaking and swallowing challenges. Make sure to have some music your loved one is familiar with, such as a favorite band, artist, or genre from his or her younger days. Add a little dancing to the mix for some additional exercise.
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 you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Miami, live-in care is available around the clock if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, 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 learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.
