October is Physical Therapy Month, and now is a great time to assess whether or not physical therapy can help your senior parent live better at home. If your mom or dad is committed to living in their own home as they get older, home care assistance and physical therapy may be able to help them stay mobile, strong, and flexible enough to get around the house well on their own.

Seniors who are aging in place should have home care assistance to help with housework, driving, cooking meals, and other household tasks. However, your mom or dad may be able to keep their mobility and continue doing things they like to do at home with the help of a physical therapist.

Here are some signs that your senior parent could benefit from physical therapy and home care assistance:

 

Difficulty with Mobility

If you notice that your mom or dad is struggling to walk, frequently stumbling or falling, or if they have difficulty getting in and out of chairs or beds, they may benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapy can help improve balance, strength, and coordination, making it safer for seniors to move around and reducing the risk of falls.

It’s common for seniors to experience some loss of mobility as they get older, and being sedentary at home doesn’t help. If you’re worried that your mom or dad is losing their mobility, talk to their doctor to find out if physical therapy and home care assistance are good options for them.

 

Persistent Pain or Discomfort

If your senior parent has chronic or acute pain in joints, muscles, or back that interferes with daily activities, physical therapy may help relieve that pain.

Pain may be associated with conditions such as arthritis, recent surgery, or injury from a fall. A physical therapist can develop a tailored exercise program to alleviate pain, improve function, and address underlying issues that contribute to discomfort.

 

Difficulty Performing Daily Activities

If your senior parent is having challenges with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, or cleaning, physical therapy and home care assistance can help. It’s normal for seniors to have a little difficulty with fine motor skills or strength needed for daily chores, which is why home care assistance is recommended for seniors living at home.

However, physical therapy can help seniors regain some independence and improve their ability to perform activities of daily living through targeted exercises and techniques.

 

Post-Surgery or Injury Recovery

If your mom or dad has had recent surgery or they are recovering from a fall physical therapy at home can help them restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Difficulty regaining pre-surgery or pre-injury functionality can make it difficult for seniors to continue living independently. Physical therapy can help seniors continue to live independently.

Home care assistance and physical therapy can provide a convenient and customized rehabilitation plan, ensuring proper recovery and reducing the risk of complications.

 

Loss of Balance or Coordination

If your mom or dad is experiencing frequent falls, unsteady gait, or difficulty maintaining balance while standing or walking ask their doctor if physical therapy can help them. Physical therapy can address balance and coordination issues through specific exercises and techniques, helping to prevent falls and improve overall stability.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance in North Hollywood, CA, please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at 800-505-6890