Staying physically and mentally active throughout the recovery process is essential to the health of senior stroke survivors. The mind and body need the stimulation to restore many of the functions lost due to the brain attack. Continue reading to learn about engaging at-home activities your elderly parent can do during stroke recovery.
1. Gardening
Since your loved one is at home, he or she can take up outdoor activities in the front or back yard, such as gardening. Planting flowers gets your loved one out into nature, which can stimulate the senses. During the stroke recovery process, sensory stimulation is important because as the brain loses its functioning, seniors can experience challenges associated with their senses of smell, touch, hearing, sight, and taste. However, merely being in the garden may calm your loved one and stimulate his or her senses. Monitor your loved one’s activities during the early stages of recovery, ensuring he or she doesn’t harm him or herself while using gardening tools.
2. Performing Yoga
The focus and attention required when doing yoga can rewire the brain and increase memory function in older adults. Muscle pain and limited range of motion are other problems stroke survivors experience at some point, but doing yoga at home can increase range of motion and balance, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Yoga also alleviates joint stiffness and muscle pain, making it easier for seniors to move around comfortably. For the best results, encourage your loved one to do yoga at least three times per week.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one follow a safe, effective exercise plan during recovery. Families looking for top-rated Clearwater in-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
3. Painting
Strokes cause many seniors to lose the ability to speak, making it difficult to express themselves. However, stimulating activities such as painting can be therapeutic, increase creativity, and lead to effective communication. When making a work of art, your loved one can boost the positive endorphins released throughout his or her body. These feel-good chemicals lower stress and stave off depression.
4. Dancing
There are a variety of gaming systems that have dance activities for seniors to participate in at home. Dancing provides physical benefits, and utilizing the game console can enhance brain functioning, which leads to better concentration and memory. If your loved one prefers traditional dancing, he or she can do this at home and still receive daily benefits from the aerobic routine. Make sure your loved one is comfortable at all times, and don’t let him or her overwork the muscles while dancing.
Home Care Clearwater 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.
5. Singing
Many adults develop aphasia after strokes, which prevents them from speaking. Aphasia can also cause comprehension problems, making it difficult to follow conversations. Singing is a purposeful activity that encourages seniors to exercise the brain and mouth muscles. While singing, your loved one will have the ability to form new connections between the neurons in his or her brain, increasing independence. To provide your loved one with more socialization opportunities, you can have sing-alongs and karaoke nights at the house and invite other family members to join in the festivities.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Clearwater live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.