5 Exercise Tips that Make Exercise Easier for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Disease
Home Care in Smithtown NY
Once your loved one’s doctor clears her for exercise, it’s time to get going. Exercise has tons of benefits for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to make exercise pleasant and 
easy for your loved one.
Provide a Safe Exercise Location
It’s vital that you ensure that your loved one has a safe space in which to exercise. Double check to make sure that cords and other tripping hazards are removed. If there are any throw rugs or slippery floor surfaces, make sure that you correct the situation. Hand rails are a great idea, especially if your loved one’s balance isn’t so good yet.
Start out Slowly
Your loved one doesn’t have to start out with the toughest workout ever, especially if she’s just getting back into exercise. Whatever activity you’re doing, go slowly and don’t worry about hitting certain targets. It’s enough at the beginning that your loved one is getting some movement in every day.
Remember Warm ups and Cool Downs
Warming up and cooling down is a huge recommendation with exercise for a good reason. Both ensure that your loved one is ready to exercise and that she’s less likely to hurt herself by pulling a muscle or doing too much too soon. Skipping warm ups and cool downs is never a good idea.
Know When to Stop
Get detailed information from your loved one’s doctor about what to look for to make sure that she’s not overdoing it. Depending on her health conditions, there may be several different problems to watch for during exercise. In general, though, if your loved one starts to experience pain, if she looks or feels sick, or if she starts to feel dizzy, it’s a good idea to stop exercising.
Help Your Loved One Find Exercises that She Loves
Exercise shouldn’t be something that your loved one hates to do. Work with her to find activities and exercises that she loves. She may love yoga, for example, but hate doing aerobics. If you find the right activities, she’ll look forward to exercising every day.
Let your loved one’s other family members and home care providers know your loved one’s routine when it comes to exercise so that they can help out, too.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Smithtown, NY, please contact the caring staff at Family First Home Companions. Serving all of Long Island. Call today: (631) 319-3961
Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.
Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.
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