Recovery from a stroke typically involves an intense physical therapy program in a supervised setting. Another important part of recovery for stroke survivors is what’s done at home to provide safe and effective physical and mental stimulation. Below you’ll find suggestions for at-home activities you can encourage your senior loved one to enjoy in the comfort of home as he or she regains important skills and abilities.
Exercising
Exercise is something your loved one can easily do at home between supervised physical therapy sessions. It’s helpful because exercise-based activities increase flexibility and balance and contribute to the release of endorphins—hormones that have a natural pain-reducing effect. Home-based forms of exercise could include:- Wrist curls and bends, if hands or arms are affected
- Sitting trunk rotations from either a standing or sitting position
- Sit-to-stand exercises done on a stable surface with a chair and the support of a nearby wall
Painting
Painting is a great way to help your loved one recharge mentally while recovering. The act of using the brushes also helps with motor skills and dexterity. The only standard for the resulting artwork is that it should have been fun to create.Reading Out Loud
Stroke survivors often have language and speech problems, such as aphasia and dysarthria, that can make communication difficult. Reading out loud is a home-based activity that allows your loved one to brush up on articulation and word-recognition skills. Your parent can even read a favorite book out loud with a family caregiver or grandchild.Meditating
One way for stroke survivors to reduce anxiety and stress is with mindful meditation. All your loved one needs is to learn the basic techniques and have a quiet place at home where he or she can breathe deeply and gain in-the-moment awareness of body sensations.Gardening
Gardening is a fun and productive way for senior stroke survivors to get sufficient physical stimulation while also enjoying a sense of accomplishment. If some gardening-related tasks are too strenuous, lend a helping hand or set up a smaller box garden that’s easier to manage. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.Dancing
The more key muscle groups are stimulated, the more likely it is for movement and coordination to increase during stroke recovery. Dancing can help your loved one accomplish this goal in a comfortable home setting as he or she rhythmically moves in whatever ways he or she wishes to. Make dancing a safe at-home activity by:- Removing potential fall hazards
- Dancing with your loved one so you can provide support
- Taking regular breaks to avoid overexertion