You have been worried about your mother’s safety for some time. You know she’s not exactly the safest person at home and lately she’s been talking about getting involved in various exercise routines. You can’t believe what you’re hearing. After all, this senior’s safety is not the best at home or anywhere else.
You’ve been providing her help already.
You live in the same town and have been stopping by to help her with a variety of tasks. Maybe you help her do the laundry, go shopping, prepare meals, or clean. Now you’re hearing that she wants to get some exercise. On top of that, you may be assuming it’s just too dangerous for her and her particular health and condition.
What does the doctor say?
Hopefully she has gone to her doctor recently. Whether she is dealing with the natural process of aging where she is losing strength and mobility, heart issues, or other health concerns, her doctor may not just give the okay for exercise, but she may encourage it.
More and more doctors today are encouraging people to exercise for at least 15 minutes every single day. This includes seniors in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. They are even encouraging people recovering from heart attack to exercise.
That’s because exercise is the only way to help strengthen the muscles in the body, including the heart. If she hasn’t spoken to her doctor in a while, make sure she consults him or her before beginning any type of exercise routine to make sure she is healthy enough for it.
Check with your own medical care provider before starting any excersie plan.
Can you support her?
Maybe you’ve been doing everything you can to help out and there’s no way you have extra time to assist her in this desire to exercise. If you don’t, think about this: is she still going to exercise, even if you’re not the one who is able to help her?
Most seniors will try to find a way to do something they want to do, especially if their doctor has recommended it. This is where home care support can be instrumental at not just keeping her safe, but encouraging her to focus on safe and effective activities.
An experienced home care aide can provide the support your mother needs, not just emotional but physical, to take better care of herself and give you some time for yourself. Who knows, when you have more time for yourself, you might be inclined to exercise and take better care of your health as well.
Sources: https://nihseniorhealth.gov
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Darien, CT or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Stamford, CT at 203-661-6969.
