Exercise is something that most of our bodies just do not get enough of, even more so in a home care environment. Between work, home life, and other personal obligations, there leaves precious little time for doing anything for ourselves. However, the elderly population of society is presented with a different set of challenges when it comes to exercising. Due to physical limitations and health conditions, many of them may simply not be able to do the kinds of exercises that medical science dictates that they should. Of the same token, some of the elderly population may not understand how simple exercising can be and that there are many activities that they can partake in, regardless of their physical ability or age, whether or not they are receiving home care. Here are some fun and simple exercises that caregivers can help their elderly charges do to ensure that they get the physical activity they need each day.
Wall Push Ups
Wall push ups help tone and strengthen the arms and upper body. Performing them against a wall is far easier on the body – especially the back and knees, than doing the traditional kind on the floor. The results are the same.
Bicep Curls
Bicep curls work the muscles of the arm. These curls are performed while holding a small weight in each hand. Canned goods or a bottle of water can be substituted for exercise weights.
Stretching
Stretching is very important to keeping the body limber and pliable. A limber body greatly reduces the chance of injury when accidents such as slips and falls occur. Simple stretches can be performed while seated in a chair or wheelchair by simply extending the arms over the head and out to the side, bending the body from side to side, and extending and retracting the legs.
Air boxing
Air boxing is another exercise that can be performed from the comfort of a seated position. This type of exercise also works to strengthen the arms and upper body.
Leg Bounces
One way of strengthening the legs is to perform leg bounces. These are done from a seated position with the feet flat on the floor. Bouncing the legs up and down on the ball of the foot works the leg and thigh muscles in the legs.
Ankle circles
Rotating the feet in small circles works to strengthen the muscles in the ankles and the lower leg. When these muscles are strong, the likelihood of slips and falls is greatly reduced because the person is more able to balance themselves on stronger legs than on weaker ones.
Remember though that if you are a caregiver providing home care that if there are any signs of the elderly client or loved one having any difficulties at all they should stop the exercises immediately.
Hearts at Home Senior care is a leading provider of Home Care in Houston. We provider caregivers to watch over your loved one for as little as a few hours, up to 24 hour live-in care. Please contact us for more information on how we can help you.