Reasons for Aging Adults to Try Recreational Therapy

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Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, uses activities and community building exercises to enhance a senior’s mental and physical wellbeing. This form of therapy can be a great help to seniors for the following reasons. 

Engages Old Interests 

Sometimes seniors give up hobbies because they think they can’t do them anymore. Weak eyesight might interfere with the ability to knit or scrapbook, and physical ailments might hinder the ability to go bowling. Recreational therapists can help seniors adapt old hobbies to their current level of wellness. For example, your aging loved one may no longer have the dexterity needed to sew, but a recreational therapist might suggest channeling your loved one’s creativity into a hobby like scarf painting.

Combats Loneliness & Depression

Studies suggest seniors who live better, live longer. A key element of living well is staying busy and active. Recreational therapists can help seniors maintain their physical and mental skills, which can boost their health and overall sense of wellbeing.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Helps Them Manage Specific Health Conditions 

Seniors who have aphasia and other verbal limitations often find recreational therapy to be helpful. Recreational therapists adapt their planned activities to the needs of their clients, and for seniors who have difficulties expressing themselves, therapists might use quiet, controlled activities to facilitate communication. Recreational therapy is also beneficial for seniors with dementia, paralysis, and other conditions.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Orlando families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Encourages Socialization 

Many recreational therapists now use technology to enhance the lives of seniors. They might teach your loved one how to use computers, the internet, and apps like FaceTime, which can help him or her stay in touch with friends and family members and see and share family videos and photos. Learning about computers can also help your loved one feel a sense of accomplishment and flex his or her mental muscles.

For families living in Orlando, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Call one of our dedicated Care Specialists today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.