When a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the learning curve for how to cope can be a bit tricky to navigate. Parkinson’s can really interfere with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and other personal hygiene activities. As the disease progresses, the effects can make simple tasks difficult because of the involuntary movements and muscle stiffness. Waiting for the daily medications to take effect before attempting to perform these tasks can make things easier.
There are also ways to help with muscle stiffness in a loved one who is coping with Parkinson’s disease. Exercise is key to relieving the rigidness that can occur with symptoms of the disease. Swimming is an exercise that is easy on the joints, requires less balance, and also very helpful for loosening muscles. Yoga, dance and walking is also a great way to alleviate some rigidness. Gardening is another often overlooked exercise activity that can be great for the body as well as the mind through meditation.
Stretching is a wonderful way to help with muscle stiffness. Some stretching activities include standing facing a wall, place hands on the wall and lean in and push out to stretch back and arms. Backing to a wall, try marching in place to loosen up leg muscles. Stretches while sitting in a chair but stomping feet and pumping arms back and forth is helpful as well.
Exercises that require large, rhythmical movements have been shown to reduce muscle rigidity. Some exercises that help with stiffness include trunk rotation, vibration, rocking and swinging. Walk whenever possible instead of driving is a great way to incorporate exercise into a daily routine. Choose to climb stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator. Pace walking, high stepping, and arm swinging that can be done hand-in-hand with a loved one are also helpful exercises. No matter what, keep moving to reduce muscle stiffness related to Parkinson’s disease.
If an elderly loved one is coping with Parkinson’s disease and assistance is needed on a regular basis that can’t be provided by a family caregiver, there is help from Senior Helpers of New Port Richey. The compassionate and highly trained caregivers can bring peace of mind to family when scheduling within the family makes routine visits difficult. In home senior care makes it possible for an elderly loved one to receive assistance and remain in the comforts of their familiar home environment for as long as possible. Senior Helpers of New Port Richey helps those coping with Parkinson’s disease in all areas of Pasco, Pinellas, Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, New Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Hudson, Palm Harbor, Trinity, and Oldsmar..
If you would like to learn more about the many benefits of caring and consistent in home care for seniors and professional dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to an elderly care specialist today 727-934-6000! Senior Helpers of New Port Richey provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, care for Parkinson’s Disease, companionship, personal assistance, and so much more to all areas of Pasco, Pinellas, Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, New Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Hudson, Palm Harbor, Trinity, and Oldsmar..