Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and causes tremors, rigid muscles, lack of coordination, and pain. As the disease progresses, it eventually affects the entire body. There are many activities that can be therapeutic and help seniors as they learn to live with Parkinson’s disease.
Playing a Musical Instrument
Music is good for the mind and body. Listening to music can increase the release of dopamine in the brain. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by a decrease of dopamine, and increasing this chemical neurotransmitter can reduce symptoms. Additionally, playing a musical instrument can increase dexterity and reduce stiffness in the hands.
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 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.
Exercising
Though it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is one of the best things seniors with Parkinson’s can do for their bodies. Regular exercise and stretching can enhance gait, prevent poor posture, and increase endurance. Seniors with Parkinson’s disease are twice as likely to experience falls, but exercise may help. A study published in the March 2019 issue of American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that study participants who regularly performed trunk exercises reduced their risk of falling. Walking, swimming, dancing, and bodyweight strength training are all good options for seniors with Parkinson’s.
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 Clearwater, 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.
Sewing
Those with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty with their fine motor skills, which involve the use of the small muscles in the hands and fingers. Sewing and cross-stitching can help seniors increase coordination in their fingers and hands. Encourage your loved one to begin with a simple cross-stitching pattern or sewing a simple running stitch. As your loved one manipulates the needle and thread, the muscles in the hands and fingers should become less stiff.
Volunteering
According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, depression is common in those with the condition. The loss of past activities and hobbies, feelings of isolation, having to depend on others, and feelings of no longer being needed can all contribute to depression and anxiety. However, volunteering can help your loved one interact with others, feel useful while giving back to the community, and gain confidence. Check with local libraries, pet shelters, VA centers, and food kitchens for opportunities that would suit your loved one.
Singing
Parkinson’s disease can affect the voice in several ways. It can target the vocal cords and make the voice hoarse or breathy. Your loved one may also have a difficult time remembering words and experience slurred speech. Singing can strengthen the vocal cords and help your loved one maintain his or her voice. Additionally, singing a song your loved one knows well can help him or her gain confidence in remembering words.
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. Clearwater 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. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (727) 330-7862 today.