Exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, especially for seniors who have limited mobility, pain issues, and certain medical conditions. While your senior loved one will enjoy the many benefits of exercise, he or she should follow these safety tips when participating in an exercise program.
Start Slowly
If your loved one is new to exercise, make sure he or she starts out slowly. Overdoing strenuous exercise can stress the muscles and joints and lead to breathing problems, increased pain, and excessive fatigue. It’s also a good idea to speak with a physician, who may want to examine your loved one to determine if he or she is physically fit enough to withstand a new exercise regimen.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Portland, ME, Align Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
Wear Proper Footwear
Non-slip athletic shoes that fit properly are best because they’re comfortable and provide ankle support. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, which can be problematic for seniors who have poor circulation or diabetes. If your loved one is unable to bend over to tie his or her shoes, consider purchasing athletic shoes with hook and loop fasteners instead of shoelaces. Seniors who like to hike for exercise should wear a comfortable pair of hiking boots instead of athletic shoes. Trails may be muddy, slippery, or have uneven terrain, and the special soles on hiking boots may be safer than those on athletic shoes, which may become slippery when they get wet.
Many seniors are able to safely enjoy numerous types of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Take Pain Medication
Before aging adults begin their exercise routines, they should take their pain medications so they’ll have less pain and greater mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. If your loved one takes narcotic pain relievers, ask the doctor if your loved one can take a non-prescription pain reliever such as ibuprofen before exercising. Narcotic pain medications can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, and weakness, which can raise the risk of injury while exercising. Also, the effects of narcotic pain relievers may make it difficult to effectively perform exercises because of mental impairment.
Bring a Cell Phone When Exercising Away from Home
If your loved one will be hiking alone, make sure he or she carries a cell phone. Even if your loved one is in good physical condition, accidents can happen. In addition, he or she may become lost or disoriented, get sick, or develop sudden pain. If your loved one has a cell phone, he or she can quickly call for help in the event of an emergency. Make sure the phone is fully charged before your loved one leaves the house. Also, make sure he or she knows how to call the police and use the safety features on the phone, such as the navigation application.
Seniors who need help exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Portland senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (207) 835-3490 today.