Activities used in recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, can be fun ways for your senior loved one to work on his or her overall health. Recreational therapy uses leisure activities to help aging individuals handle serious illnesses and restore their vitality. Here are a few benefits this therapy can offer.
Strengthens Muscles
Recreational therapy is often used in conjunction with occupational therapy and physical therapy. These activities can enhance your senior loved one’s health after he or she has experienced a stroke, heart attack, or any other serious health condition. The therapy aims to boost motor skills by strengthening muscles that are damaged or weakened. Strengthened muscles can keep your loved one safe from slips, falls, and other injuries as well as from diseases such as osteoporosis.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. 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.
Enhances Social Skills
Loneliness, depression, and anxiety often have an impact on physical wellbeing. However, recreational therapy can help your loved one overcome such feelings. Therapeutic recreation activities provide new ways to renew, maintain, and utilize important physical and mental skills, which can enhance overall health. Through these activities, your loved one can work on his or her social skills and prevent feelings of isolation.
For families living in Fair Oaks, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Slows Down Memory Loss
One of the most important benefits of recreational therapy is that it can keep the mind fit and active. When recreational therapists work with seniors, they may suggest brain games and other mental activities that can slow down memory loss. Therapeutic recreation activities can be adapted to your loved one’s mental capabilities so they’re challenging enough to keep him or her busy but not too difficult to be discouraging.
Cuts Down on Health Costs
Therapeutic recreation activities have the potential to reduce secondary health conditions in seniors. This therapy promotes independent living and reduces the need for around-the-clock care from nurses and physicians. Instead, you can rely on a home caregiver to assist with your loved one’s daily needs. The costs associated with recreational therapy are generally affordable and can prevent costly secondary medical conditions in the future.
Fair Oaks senior 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. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.