Isolation is common in older adults with Parkinson’s, especially during the later stages, when mobility and cognitive issues become more noticeable. However, isolation can increase boredom, loneliness, and the risk of other health issues. Family caregivers need to incorporate purposeful activities and hobbies into their senior loved ones’ daily lives. Encourage your loved one to try the activities mentioned below.
1. Cycling
Exercising has significant benefits for older adults with Parkinson’s, so make sure to include as many physical activities as possible in your loved one’s routine. Cycling is a fun exercise that can be customized to your loved one’s abilities. Riding a bicycle regularly can enhance overall motor function. The physical movements can reduce rigidity and tremors while increasing flexibility. Cycling also boosts cognitive skills, which can increase social connections and lead to better mental health.
2. Reading
Although reading is a complex task, the activity can stimulate the mind and boost cognitive health. Reading requires using multiple parts of the brain, preventing those areas from becoming idle. The stimulation can enhance memory and promote positive neurological changes that last well after your loved one is done reading. Encourage your loved one to read new stories but avoid books that are too challenging. The objective is to relieve stress and increase joy instead of causing confusion and frustration.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. At-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
3. Cooking
Living with Parkinson’s doesn’t prevent your loved one from completing everyday tasks, such as cooking. This purposeful activity can be customized to suit your loved one’s motor skills and cognitive abilities. Getting into the kitchen to prepare meals could give your loved one a sense of purpose and boost his or her confidence. In addition to providing brain stimulation, the movements associated with cooking can reduce muscle stiffness and slow shuffling gait in older adults with Parkinson’s disease.
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 in-home care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Dancing & Singing
Listening to music can boost your loved one’s memory and enhance his or her mood. Promote activities such as dancing and singing as much as possible. These activities strengthen motor function and lower the risk of slips and falls. When dancing, your parent may feel more comfortable interacting with others instead of isolating him or herself due to the fear of symptoms such as tremors, freezing, and poor coordination. The social stimulation seniors receive from dancing and singing with others can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
5. Writing
Seniors with Parkinson’s can compose poetry, create blogs, or write down their daily thoughts about living with the condition. Writing can boost your loved one’s memory and help him or her maintain many cognitive skills. While expressing him or herself in a journal or writing a creative story, your parent will need to use his or her hands and fingers, giving them the exercise they need. The movements can increase flexibility and dexterity, making it less stressful to take on tasks such as eating, bathing, and getting dressed.
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. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.