Home care supports seniors staying active with safe exercises despite mobility limits

Physical activity is a big part of helping seniors to age in place independently and safely. If they’re already having trouble with mobility, they might be avoiding physical activity. Finding small ways to regain some strength and mobility gives seniors a better shot at aging in place the way they want. Home care providers can help seniors find ways to incorporate movement into their daily routines, even when mobility is challenging.

Seated Exercises

Seniors can still get a lot of movement even while seated due to mobility challenges. Seated marches, stretching while seated, and other seated movements can all be done safely in a sturdy chair. These exercises boost circulation and help keep joints from becoming too stiff from sitting more than standing.

If seniors are new to seated exercises, they might be surprised at how much of a workout they can get. As seniors build up their endurance, they may be able to try new types of movement.

Range of Motion Movements

When joints are stiff and have lost some flexibility, it’s difficult for seniors to move them through their natural range of motion. Simple movements that rotate and move each joint can be done in bed, in a chair, or while standing. These types of exercises are great for seniors with arthritis or who are recovering from an injury or illness.

Home care providers can help seniors remember to include a range of motion movements in a way that feels comfortable.

Resistance Band Exercises

Resistance bands are easy to use in all sorts of positions and aren’t heavy to lift or move. Seniors can build strength with resistance bands without putting a massive strain on their joints. There are tons of exercise routines available online that use simple resistance bands as the only tool.

Keeping things simple helps seniors stick with some exercise types.

Make Exercise Social

When their movement routine is fun, seniors are more likely to stick with it. Adding a social component to exercise is one of the best ways to increase motivation and keep seniors interested.

Home care providers are right there with seniors, keeping them company and cheering them on. Professional caregivers can also help seniors to get to group exercise classes where they can meet new people and get some more movement in safely.

Get Seniors Extra Support

Sometimes seniors need more than just encouragement to stay active. Depending on their underlying health issues and mobility challenges, they might benefit from physical therapy or occupational therapy.

Talking with their doctors first ensures that seniors understand the limitations they should consider when they start trying to be more physically active.

Avoiding movement isn’t the right choice when seniors have trouble with mobility. The right exercises and consistent movement can help aging adults to regain some of their mobility in a safer way. Home care providers can help seniors build routines that let them get in the physical activity they need while also leaving room for all the other activities they want to fit into every day.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Fair Oaks, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today at (916) 897-4752

James Ozsvath

Aging Assistant is a locally owned and operated in-home senior care provider, we are dedicated to helping our clients to remain in the home they love for as long as they can. Our caregiving staff are all warm and compassionate professionals, experienced in taking care of seniors in various stages of health. We handle a wide range of services, such as help with shopping, housekeeping, attending doctor’s appointments, and preparing meals. We also provide our clients with limited mobility or more intensive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia with the higher level of personal care that they require. Call our team now if you need help with a loved one's care.

See Full Bio