The neurodegenerative disease known as Parkinson’s affects areas of the brain responsible for how older adults perform daily tasks. As the disease progresses, the lives of seniors and their loved ones can grow more challenging. The therapies mentioned below, along with standard treatment and healthy choices, can boost your elderly parent’s quality of life and slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
1. Physical Therapy
Going to physical therapy appointments can strengthen the muscles and help seniors with Parkinson’s maintain their gait, which can lower the risk of falling and increase circulation, leading to better brain health. One of the best aspects of physical therapy is that it can slow the progression of Parkinson’s and allow your loved one to continue completing daily activities for longer with little or no help. Speak with your loved one’s primary care physician and insurance provider about physical therapy options in the area.
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 Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond, a senior 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.
2. Music
Listening to favorite songs or singing along to popular tunes can provide different benefits for emotional health and mobility. The mind-body connection made with music therapy can reduce tremors, enhance thinking and speaking skills, and alleviate stress. As your loved one sings along to favorite songs, he or she may begin to feel happier, which could boost his or her mental health.
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 Richmond, live-in care is available 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.
3. Art
Repetitive and uncontrollable thoughts are common in aging adults living with Parkinson’s, but art can help them control those feelings and lower their risk of depression. Even if your parent has never painted or drawn before, you should encourage him or her to try art therapy. While working on art projects, your loved one will be free to express him or herself, providing a sense of identity. Art activities may reduce blood pressure levels and alleviate communication problems.
4. Writing
Your parent doesn’t need to be a professional writer. Your loved one can write notes in a diary or create poems and receive benefits that enhance mood and alleviate many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Doing something creative is therapeutic because it puts seniors in control and allows them to express their thoughts and feelings instead of keeping these things bottled inside. While writing, your loved one can strengthen his or her hands and reduce tremors.
5. Dancing
Exercise is vital to cognitive health, and dancing is an aerobic exercise that can benefit your loved one’s wellbeing. The techniques practiced in dancing facilitate movements that enhance gait and balance. While moving to the music, your loved one can alleviate pain and strengthen his or her bone health. Although physical therapy can keep seniors limber, dancing can help them move faster. Some of the best dancing courses for seniors with Parkinson’s to try are:
- Ballroom dancing
- Tango
- Step/line dancing
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 home care service. Richmond, VA, 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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (804) 600-0002 today.
