Physical Therapy Can Help Seniors Increase Mobility
Senior Mobility: Physical Therapy Berwyn Pa
Being fit is more than the way you look. Fitness covers a range of aspects including the foods you eat, the way you take care of your mental health, and the exercise you get. It’s something that your family is focused on. Your family wants to start going on weekend hikes together. Before this can happen, your dad’s doctor recommends that he do physical therapy to ensure he makes safe changes when it comes to exercise.
Your dad’s doctor diagnosed him with high blood pressure and diabetes. He’s extremely overweight and experiences pain if he tries to walk more than a few steps, so he stopped trying. Not only does your dad need to change his habits, but you also have a higher risk as high blood pressure and diabetes can be genetic. What will a physical therapist do?
The First Step is an Assessment
During the first appointment with a physical therapist, your dad will be assessed to determine his range of motion, how much pain tolerance he has, and where his mobility is impacted.
From this assessment, your dad’s physical therapist will create a plan of action. Physical therapy usually involves a mix of exercises to build strength and balance, massage and techniques that help ease pain, and improve flexibility.
If Devices Are Needed, He’ll Learn How to Use Them
Sometimes, it does take the use of a cane or something like a knee brace to ease pain and improve mobility. If that’s what it will take, your dad will learn how to use assistive devices correctly to improve mobility without risking damage from incorrect use.
Encourage Him
In addition to working with his physical therapist, your dad has to practice the exercises at home. Encourage him to exercise often. You could even do the exercises with him as a show of support.
It will be hard to do some exercises, but he must keep going. Provide that extra push he needs to keep going, even if the pain and discomfort are making him want to give up.
Ask Questions
Make sure you ask a lot of questions. The goal is to become more active with your dad. So, you’ll want to encourage him to join you without putting him at risk. Ask his physical therapist questions regarding how long he can walk or if he’s ready for slopes or hills. That way you’ll know how to encourage him without risking an injury.
Follow your dad’s lead. If he’s eager to keep going, go at the pace he needs. If he’s struggling to keep up, slow down. Find a bench and stop to have a snack and drink.
Embrace fitness with your dad. Everyone benefits from physical activity, and the stronger he becomes, the more you can do together. Talk to a specialist in at home physical therapy and start making plans to spend more time with your dad doing things he enjoys.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Physical Therapy in Berwyn, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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