Caregivers can play a big role in helping seniors maintain the active lifestyle.
Sonia Stotsky, a physical therapist with Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services, says caregivers can be a big support for seniors, whether or not that senior is receiving home care.
“A caregiver can be an external source of motivation,” Stotsky said. “We are all creatures of habit. If we see a caregiver being more active, that can help push a senior to more things including just walking the mall or taking a nice stroll somewhere.”
Caregivers should try to keep seniors active for the health benefits. Falls can be a dangerous risk for seniors, especially those already undergoing home care. Stotsky said many seniors have a fear of falling, and that can limit their willingness to be active. But having caregivers there to encourage them can help them increase mobility, and have better flexibility.
“People who are afraid to fall are actually more likely to fall,” Stotsky said. “It is so important for a senior to have a feeling of independence and confidence. If they are more confident walking in a crowd, they won’t be nervous about someone bumping into them.”
Stotsky said Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services personnel try to educate caregivers about the importance of helping seniors stay active.
“We teach caregivers what they can do to help when we are done with our care,” Stotsky said. “When we first get there, a Liberty physical therapist or occupational therapist will try to establish a home exercise schedule within the first few visits. We assess how they are doing with the program and how to help them progress even further.”
Walking is the best exercise for most seniors, but Stotsky said other key exercises include squats and exercises that can help build up ankle and hip muscles. She added that patients with osteoporosis face a heightened risk, because any fall would likely create a bone fracture.
Stotsky said Liberty therapists try to challenge their patients to do more, to help them reach their goals. She said caregivers should keep in mind that even small doses of exercise can really help a senior.
“Sometimes, even having them do a mini-squat when they put away their dish at the sink, or even walking around the block before getting the mail can have a big benefit,” she said. “All of that can have a cumulative effect. It can help a patient say ‘I did this today – what can I do tomorrow?’”
