Parkinson’s disease affects areas of the brain responsible for controlling motor movements. The condition can cause various issues, including tremors, postural instability, chronic stress, and rigidity. However, taking up activities that are emotionally, physically, and mentally stimulating can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disease and boost quality of life. Below are some excellent therapy ideas for seniors with Parkinson’s.
Writing Therapy
Writing is an expressive therapy that can enhance mood in seniors with Parkinson’s and reduce their risk of depression. Seniors can write posts in notebooks, keep journals, write poetry on their computers, or share various experiences in personal blogs. The objective of writing therapy is to ease feelings of emotional trauma. Seniors can focus their minds on the words instead of worrying about what might happen when the condition worsens. Provide your elderly parent with wider writing devices and various tools that can reduce tremors and make the activities more relaxed and enjoyable.
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 Carmichael 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.
Music Therapy
Incorporating music therapy into the life of an aging adult with Parkinson’s is good for motor skills as well as stress management. Moving to music can increase coordination, balance, and posture. The vibrations of the songs can be heard and felt, decreasing bodily stiffness and reducing tremors significantly. Encourage your loved one to attend local concerts with you and other family members or friends. He or she can also join a music group with other like-minded individuals, preventing isolation and providing more opportunities to engage in music.
Art Therapy
Drawing in adult coloring books, painting with friends at local community centers, or enrolling in art classes can restore functional independence in aging adults living with Parkinson’s. There’s no wrong or right way when it comes to creativity. Merely completing the artwork could boost your loved one’s confidence levels and make him or her feel accomplished while strengthening his or her motor skills. Your loved one can also experience therapeutic effects by looking at various paintings online or in print. Another idea is to take your parent to local galleries and traveling exhibits to witness the beautiful and therapeutic works of art.
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 Carmichael, 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.
Physical Therapy
Although physical therapy cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, the techniques and movements can boost quality of life by relieving pain and restoring some function. The best exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s include yoga, dancing, Pilates, cycling, and tai chi. It’s crucial for your loved one to remain physically active for as long as possible to slow the progression of the condition. Physical therapy also provides mental benefits by alleviating stress and increasing the release of endorphins throughout the body.
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. Carmichael, CA, 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. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663.