Post-Hospital Care-How To Help Seniors Get Moving Again After A Hospital Stay
If your senior parent has been in the hospital for a period of time because they had a major medical event like a heart attack, a stroke, or some type of surgery when they are released to go home they will need several things, including post-hospital care. But one of the things that post-hospital care for seniors should include is daily movement. It’s very important for seniors to get up and move again as soon as they are physically able. Seniors already have a high risk for blood clots due to poor circulation and usually a sedentary lifestyle. After being in the hospital off their feet for a long time it’s extremely important for seniors to start moving again quickly to boost their circulation, improve their muscle mass, and regain their mobility. Some of the things that can help seniors get moving again after a hospital stay are:
Walking To The Bathroom
Walking to the bathroom is an easy way to get your senior parent used to walking again. They may need help from a care provider to get out of bed safely. And someone should always walk with them to offer support while your senior parent gets used to being on their feet again. But walking to the bathroom and back a couple of times during the day is strongly recommended by medical professionals as one of the things that seniors can do right away to start moving again after they come home from a hospital stay.
Walking To Get The Mail
If your senior loved one can handle a walk to the bathroom and they’re ready to tackle something a little more challenging, try having them walk out to get the mail. Getting the mail is something that a lot of seniors enjoy. They like feeling a sense of normalcy and enjoy getting outside even if it’s just a few minutes. Just make sure that your senior parent has some support either from a caregiver or from a walker or cane so that they don’t fall. The first few times they go out to get the mail it’s a good idea for someone to go with them so they feel more secure and have extra support. But once they seem steady on their feet they may enjoy going for a little walk on their own.
Pilates Exercises In Bed
Did you know that Pilates exercises were originally designed to help people regain mobility and muscle after a hospital stay? It’s true. Joseph Pilates developed a series of exercises to help soldiers injured in war regain their strength and mobility after they had been injured in battle and were confined to the hospital. Pilates exercises can be done by seniors in bed so that they are better able to move again.
Yoga Stretching
Yoga stretching will help improve a senior’s circulation and help them start moving more easily and freely. Yoga can be done in conjunction with walking and other exercises to get seniors out of bed and moving again quickly.
If you or an aging loved one are considering post-hospital care in Deerfield, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
- Understanding the Importance of Planning for a Hospital Stay - April 23, 2024
- Getting Seniors to Talk About Feelings of Loneliness - April 17, 2024
- Helping Seniors Reduce Pain and Discomfort to Gain a Good Night’s Sleep - April 10, 2024