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Helping a Parkinson’s Patient Stay Active

Managing Parkinson’s disease is best accomplished through a combination of prescribed medications and exercise. For Parkinson’s patients, regular physical activity can help to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion and flexibility. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, staying active can also help patients to keep a positive perspective on life that can carry over into their relationships.

If you provide care for an aging loved one with Parkinson’s, encourage them to stay active! While you may encounter a few obstacles, the following strategies offer caregivers and loved ones several fun and safe ways to help Parkinson’s patients stay active. This way, you can rest easy knowing they are benefiting from the full range of benefits that exercise provides.

  1. Meet with a Physical Therapist – For Parkinson’s patients, one of the first things a person may need to do is meet with a physical therapist who can provide insight into the types of exercise that are safe for the person’s abilities. After performing a physical to assess their needs, an exercise plan can be developed for the patient to follow. Overwhelmed and think one more medical appointment is just too much to handle? Learn more about hourly care in San Diego and enjoy respite while a reliable and trustworthy caregiver accompanies your loved one to a physical therapy appointment.
  2. Choose Fun and Engaging Exercises – Selecting fun and enjoyable exercises will make it more likely that the Parkinson’s patient will look forward to staying active. Walking, swimming and cycling are all exercises that many Parkinson’s patients can do, and each one can be tailored to meet one’s current fitness level. It is also important to keep in mind that staying active can be accomplished by simply doing more things throughout the day. Completing household chores, going grocery shopping and gardening can all help to increase someone’s daily activity.
  3. Provide Motivation for Daily Activity – Staying active is easier for those who have family members and friendly caregivers to provide motivation. Be sure to schedule time with the Parkinson’s patient that can be spent doing enjoyable yet physical activities. When spending time with the patient, be sure to remember that they may need extra breaks during vigorous physical activity or assistance with stretches and exercises. By providing both moral and physical support, a person can help the Parkinson’s patient in their life stay motivated for living an active lifestyle.

At Home Care Assistance of San Diego, we understand that you may not always be able to provide care and support to a loved one with Parkinson’s. Fill in the gaps with dependable, compassionate and professional Parkinson’s care. Visit our website at www.sandiegohomecareassistance.com or contact a Care Manager at 1-877-254-4860 to learn more about our in-home care services.

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