Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the central nervous system and prevents various structures from functioning normally. As a result, your elderly parent may experience challenges with balance, flexibility, and coordination. To slow the progress of this condition and preserve your loved one’s fine motor skills, consider incorporating the following coordination exercises into his or her routine.
1. Squats
Leg strength is vital to walking abilities, especially as Parkinson’s progresses. By doing squats correctly, your loved one can strengthen the core muscles that act as stabilizers and help him or her maintain balance. When choosing a squat routine for your parent, base the workouts on his or her physical health. For instance, if your loved one cannot stand up for long periods, incorporate chair squats into the exercise routine. Although the chair provides support and makes the activity less challenging, your loved one can still receive the coordination benefits he or she needs.
Many seniors with Parkinson’s are able to safely enjoy numerous types of exercise, especially when they have the help of trained professional caregivers. Senior care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Shoulder Rolls
The inability to coordinate movements often causes seniors with Parkinson’s to have poor posture. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts brain functioning, so as the disease progresses, your loved one’s brain may stop sending the usual automatic reminders telling him or her to stand up straight. An excellent way to boost coordination and enhance posture is to add shoulder rolls to your loved one’s routine. Rolling the shoulders back and forth can ease tension and help your loved one relax. The movements also reset posture without putting too much pressure on the body.
3. Swimming
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, seniors may find it more challenging to coordinate movements, walk from room to room, or go up and down stairs. To boost coordination abilities, your loved one should consider swimming. Working out in the water requires a lot of sensory input and coordination. However, the buoyancy of the water protects weak muscles and reduces the risk of falls, allowing your loved one to swim with more confidence while boosting bone density and strengthening muscles, which can lead to better coordination.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Lincoln respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Heel Raises
Boosting stability should be a major focus of your loved one’s exercise routine. By incorporating heel raises into his or her workout, your parent can strengthen the knee and ankle joints, which can enhance his or her gait. When doing heel raises, your loved one may need to use a chair for support. These exercises can boost balance and coordination as well as overall core strength in seniors with Parkinson’s.
5. Yoga
Your loved one should try therapeutic activities, including yoga, to increase mobility. Yoga stretches the muscles and joints, and it can also increase attention span. Balance and coordination are enhanced by practicing effective movements, such as those used in yoga. By focusing his or her attention on strength and alignment, your loved one can maintain better balance and gain flexibility. Yoga can also boost mental health, which can reduce stress and lower the risk of depression.
Seniors with Parkinson’s who need help exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Lincoln in-home 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. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.