Older adults with Parkinson’s disease can benefit from remaining as active as possible for as long as possible, since Parkinson’s is a condition that affects movement as it progresses. And while your older loved one may have some limitations or challenges as the disease advances, there are some activities that tend to be perfect for elderly people with Parkinson’s. Here are six of them.
1. Miniature or Regular Golf
Walking is great exercise for older individuals with Parkinson’s, but there may be a time when they can’t do it for long periods. One solution is to play a game of golf or mini golf with your loved one. Your parent can take breaks between turns at mini golf or ride in a cart during a round of traditional golf. Plus, golf helps with hand-eye coordination.
2. Cooking
Many elderly people love cooking, and there’s no reason this activity has to stop after Parkinson’s becomes an issue for your loved one. In addition to helping with fine motor skills, cooking also provides a chance to make healthy foods that could address some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Make cooking together safer and more productive by:
- Offering assistance with stirring and mixing as needed
- Setting up the kitchen so your loved one can easily access utensils and commonly used ingredients
- Placing a tall chair stool in the kitchen so your loved one doesn’t have to stand for long periods
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 Assisting Hands Home Care, an in-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.
3. Arts & Crafts
Hands-on arts and crafts projects allow elderly people with Parkinson’s to maintain their concentration abilities while also helping with dexterity and motor skills. There’s the added benefit of enjoying a sense of accomplishment when arts and crafts projects are completed.
4. Puzzles
Elderly people with Parkinson’s often spend a lot of time waiting for medical appointments and traveling to doctors’ visits. Help your loved one stay occupied with puzzles he or she can complete on a tablet or smartphone. Another option is to provide a crossword or word puzzle book your loved one can use whenever he or she has some free time and wants something to do. Puzzles are beneficial because they can:
- Counteract brain changes that sometimes affect memory
- Build and maintain vocabulary
- Enhance reasoning skills
- Maintain fine motor skills
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 Caregiver in San Diego. San Diego, CA, families trust Assisting Hands Home Care San Diego 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.
5. Playing with Pets
Spending time outside playing with pets allows elderly individuals with Parkinson’s to get more exposure to vitamin D, which helps them maintain clear thinking skills and other cognitive functions. Playing with a pet or participating in pet therapy is also a good way for older adults with Parkinson’s to exercise their hands without putting excessive stress on their legs. On days when it’s not comfortable outside, your loved one can always play with a family pet indoors.
6. Movie Nights
Older adults with Parkinson’s sometimes have days when their muscles are a bit too tense or rigid for physical activity. For times like this, plan activities that allow for interaction in a way that’s less physically demanding. One option is to plan a movie night. If your loved one has some swallowing difficulties, skip the popcorn and opt for snacks that are easy to eat and digest. Possibilities include:
- Soft ice cream
- Chewy granola bars
- Sandwiches
- Pudding cups
- Soft crackers with cream cheese
Mobility issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care San Diego, CA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at 858-667-0813 today.
