Physical therapy is meant to assist people in maintaining or restoring their physical health. It can be used to improve muscle strength, range of motion, and pain relief. After being discharged from the hospital, elderly people who have had an accident, stroke, or surgery may get physical therapy rehabilitation or get help from an elder care agency.

Physical therapists provide this treatment in either an inpatient or outpatient environment. Individuals are recommended various activities to complete between consultations during outpatient therapy. Caregivers can help seniors safely do their activities at home. Here’s how it’s done:

Transportation for home care and physical therapy

Seniors who need to go to physical therapy may find it challenging to get to and from their appointments. They may not be able to drive at all due to their health, or they may have difficulty getting into and out of the automobile. Eldercare agencies can provide safe transportation and make sure that a senior gets to their physical therapy appointment on time.

Transportation aid might also provide the entire family peace of mind. Family members can keep their normal schedules and avoid taking time off work while knowing that their loved one is receiving the care and assistance they require from an elder care agency.

Comfort

Imagine doing a new activity that you’re having trouble with in front of a group of strangers. This may cause you embarrassment or anxiety. Because they are surrounded by others, seniors may feel this way when conducting rehabilitation activities at an inpatient facility.

Physical therapy activities performed at home might help elders feel more at ease. They can practice in the comfort of their own home, away from strange sights, sounds, and people. Seniors can also obtain the help they need to complete their workouts successfully with the help of an elder care agency.

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Motivation

Because the activities are difficult, seniors may become disappointed with their physical therapy recovery. Each workout is designed to stretch muscles and press joints. Individuals may also feel as if they are not progressing rapidly enough, despite the fact that they are following their regimen. These emotions may cause a senior to abandon their fitness routine. However, having a caregiver present and supporting they might help them stay interested and motivated to complete their physical treatment at home. A caregiver can assist seniors by acting as a coach or cheerleader during each repeat. They can keep an eye out for evidence of progress and report back to a senior. While this may appear easy, it can have a significant impact on a senior’s mindset and motivation to continue with physical therapy.

Safety

Caregivers can also keep an eye on seniors throughout their workouts to ensure their safety. Some exercises may put seniors’ balance to the test, or they may feel exhausted after a few workouts, leaving them vulnerable to falling.

Eldercare agency can lend a helping hand at home and assist prevent falls. They can also assist a senior in deciding where to do their exercises at home, such as on a solid chair or next to a counter. In addition, caregivers can keep an eye on the house for risks that could cause a senior to fall while performing daily tasks.

Ice & Heat

A senior may need to apply heat or ice to a muscle or joint as part of their recuperation. While this may appear to be a simple task, it might be difficult for certain elders.

For example, getting to the freezer to grab an ice pack or the microwave to heat up a rice bag can be quite tiring — and even dangerous — for a senior who has had a hip or knee replacement. They may also have difficulty getting their leg into a comfortable posture, A helping hand can go a long way in assisting seniors in maintaining the right temperature and amount of ice on an affected area. Elder care agency can also keep an eye on the time to ensure that the heat or ice isn’t applied for too long.

Coordination of Care

Caregivers are also excellent at coordinating care with healthcare specialists such as physical therapists. A caregiver can observe where a senior is struggling and making progress because they spend a lot of one-on-one time with them. As a result, caregivers can provide physical therapists with useful information about a patient’s recovery. This coordination isn’t limited to physical therapy. Eldercare agency is also aware of a senior’s medical history, current medications, and other aspects of their care. As a result, everyone from family members to general physicians and specialists will be kept updated. This coordination can assist everyone in staying on the same page and developing the best possible care plans for the patient.

Reducing readmissions to hospitals

In physical therapy, the ultimate goal of caregivers is to prevent injury at home. Falls are common among seniors receiving physical rehabilitation, especially those who have had surgery or have had a serious medical incident. Falls can be dangerous and even fatal. Accidents might result in elders being admitted to the hospital, complicating their recuperation.