When your senior or loved one gets injured or experiences a prolonged illness, doctors will often recommend physical therapy, which can restore and increase range of motion, flexibility, strength, and coordination. It can also help to reduce pain, and the main focus is usually to get the patient to a point where they can once again perform their everyday tasks so that they can live as independently as possible, especially those receiving senior care at home.
Physical therapy is almost always prescribed for things such as hip fractures and replacements or after elderly people experience bone breaks, but it can also be tremendously beneficial for people who have had strokes, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and issues with balance.
Physical therapy has been proven to help those with injuries and illness recover and strengthen their muscles, and can also help to control pain related to many issues aging seniors face, such as arthritis and fatigue.
Geriatric physical therapy is specifically designed for the unique needs of the elderly, who often can be particularly weak or frail, especially after experiencing illness or injuries. Geriatric therapy has been proven to build confidence, improve strength and balance, and enable seniors to stay active.
Seniors will work to gain back muscle and strength which will help in the prevention of future falls and injuries received from falling, which is one of the biggest risks elderly people face. Hip fractures that occur as a result of falling can lead to a rapid decline in overall health so anything that can be done to help prevent falls is beneficial to seniors, especially those getting senior care in their own homes as there are times that they may be home alone.
Although when we think of physical therapy we associate it as something received after a physical event or injury, senior citizens can also benefit from receiving regular physical therapy before an injury or illness occurs. One in four Americans that are currently age 65 will live to the age of 90, so starting a proactive physical therapy routine now may help prolong the quality of life of your senior parent or loved one, allowing them to remain at home as long as it it safely possible for them to do so.
If your senior parent or loved one has mobility issues and is receiving senior care at home, you might consider looking into a physical therapist that can come to their home, ensuring that they don’t miss out on the benefits of the treatment.
Family members of seniors receiving physical therapy at home or elsewhere should remain supportive, staying positive and encouraging their senior to be patient with the progress of the therapy while keeping realistic expectations. Caregivers can even help with exercises that need to be done at home between therapy sessions.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Sandy, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
