Since Parkinson’s disease causes tremors, rigidity, and difficulty controlling muscles, it can make some common hobbies fairly challenging. However, this doesn’t mean seniors with Parkinson’s have to sit around being bored all day. There are plenty of safe and fun activities they can participate in.
1. Listening to Music
Several studies have found that music therapy is a great way for managing the movement issues associated with Parkinson’s disease. When seniors can concentrate on the beat of the music, they may find it possible to move in ways they formerly had difficulty with, which means they may be able to dance, play an instrument, or sing even if they usually cannot manage coordinated movements.
2. Playing Games
Games are a good way to challenge the mind and work toward goals. Seniors who have friends nearby can plan card and board game parties. Guests can help the senior with Parkinson’s move the pieces while he or she gets to enjoy being in control of game strategy. Video games are another great choice, and they work well when seniors have no one to play with them. Controllers can be moved with broad gestures, so even seniors who have issues with fine motor skills can play.
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 elderly home care. Edmonton, AB, 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.
3. Reading
Many seniors with Parkinson’s fear they’ll have to give up reading because it becomes so difficult to turn pages and to hold a book without dropping it. There are several solutions for this issue. If there are young children in the family, turning the pages of a book for the senior can be a fun bonding activity. Some seniors find it easier to read with an e-reader, since they just have to put slight pressure anywhere on the screen to turn the page. There are also many audiobook apps, CDs, and tapes to listen to.
4. Swimming
Swimming can be both a form of entertainment and a method of treatment for seniors. Since water partially supports the body’s weight, seniors can move with less pain. Swimming encourages muscle growth that can alleviate some other symptoms of Parkinson’s, and splashing around is also a fun way to enjoy spending time outdoors. To make sure it’s safe, family caregivers need to consult with a doctor beforehand and ensure their loved one has appropriate flotation devices and is monitored at all times.
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 Edmonton, 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.
5. Visiting a Museum, Garden, or Zoo
Even if they cannot walk long distances by themselves, it’s still important for seniors with Parkinson’s to get out of the house. Families can plan fun trips to places like museums, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens. These places are usually wheelchair accessible, so seniors can sit back, relax, and enjoy checking out fascinating things.
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 senior home care 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. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.