Older stroke survivors face many challenges as they recover from the damage that resulted from a temporary disruption of blood flow to certain parts of the brain. While a big part of this process involves physical therapy, some aspects of the recovery process can be fun, relaxing, and engaging. Below you’ll discover five of the top at-home activities that can benefit elderly stroke survivors.
1. Doing Arts & Crafts
One of the most effective ways to help the brain rewire and heal after a stroke is to stimulate multiple areas in both the left and right sides of the brain. One fun and engaging way to do this is with arts and crafts projects that require both physical and mental effort. Painting, drawing, and other art-based activities may also increase:
• Fine motor skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Concentration and focus
Craft-related projects such as scrapbooking or knitting with large, easy-to-manipulate needles can enhance the same skills. Let your senior loved one gravitate toward the arts and crafts projects that appeal to him or her. You can then provide the appropriate level of support while allowing your loved one to do as much independently as possible.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare services. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. Doing Puzzles
During stroke recovery, seniors sometimes become bored or depressed if they aren’t sufficiently stimulated mentally and socially. One fun way to accomplish this goal is with jigsaw puzzles or word-based puzzles that can be done online or with books. Activities of this nature can help your loved one maintain or enhance a wide range of skills that were affected by the stroke, including ones involving:
• Mental focus and logic
• Manual dexterity
• Pattern recognition
• Memory and concentration
Note: Certain interactive video games can provide similar benefits.
3. Cooking
Cooking-related motions such as stirring, slicing and dicing, and reaching up to nearby shelves can help stroke survivors increase fine motor skills and gently strengthen the muscles needed for joint flexibility. Simply provide the appropriate level of assistance while keeping your loved one company as he or she prepares meals. Cooking is also an excellent way to encourage your loved one to get into the habit of preparing and eating the kind of healthier, brain-friendly foods that could reduce the risk of having another stroke.
4. Reading
A stroke can affect the part of the brain related to language, vocabulary, and the comprehension of words. One way to help a stroke-affected brain regain these abilities is by reading. Reading is a home-based activity your loved one can enjoy with “two-lap” books designed to be read with a partner, which can be a family caregiver, friend, grandchild, or professional in-home caregiver.
For families living in Montgomery, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Dancing or Listening to Music
If your loved one’s mobility isn’t severely affected, he or she may be able to strengthen the muscle groups needed for balance, stability, and coordination by dancing. If extra support is needed, you can always do this activity with your loved one as he or she holds on to you to remain steady.
Even simply listening to enjoyable music and swaying in time to the beat can be beneficial for stroke survivors. Music also provides a mood boost, which is good for older adults recovering from a stroke.
Recovering from a stroke is just one of the many challenges your loved one may encounter in the golden years. 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 elder care. Montgomery families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (334) 593-3988 today.