5 benefits of physical and occupational therapy in the elderly
In order to improve elderly people’s health, several types of therapies have been developed to achieve positive changes in patients. Through these therapies we have the ability to manage mobility problems in older adults, in addition to providing help in training their minds.
So we can say that both physical therapy and occupational therapy are activities of great importance for the elderly to have a good quality of life. Moreover, these therapies are about different procedures that can be performed throughout the day, so the senior adult can improve in a short period of time.
What are these therapies?
Occupational therapy is a series of techniques, methods and actions that can help prevent some conditions and maintain health. It has the characteristic of replacing the symptoms of disability deficits, allowing the elderly to be more active and independent.
In the case of physical therapy, it helps people to improve their physical and motor skills, and it can be applied at any age. Even a healthy older adult can benefit from this therapy, since specialized physical exercises are offered to prevent and treat injuries.
What benefits do these therapies have?
Most of the activities involved in these kinds of therapies bring with them a wide variety of benefits to the elders, but it will depend on how often they are involved in the therapies for immediate improvement to be seen.
Forgetting their limitations
Sadly, it is very common for the elderly to feel limited or even displaced within their family environment due to their health. Fortunately, one of the main benefits of these therapies is that they provide the senior with the help they need to regain some of their dexterity.
Regardless of what type of limitations they have, they are provided with specific tasks based on their needs. In some cases it is a matter of repeatedly performing some tasks such as washing, cleaning, playing or even shopping, even though this may not seem to be much, it is actually very important for the patients.
This is because they get a regenerative effect, feel more useful and gain more self-confidence.
Improves their self-esteem
Sometimes the elderly become people with low tolerance or even people who suffer from depression due to their limitations. By receiving physical and occupational therapy, the older adult begins to develop self-esteem, which can be reflected in a much friendlier attitude and a healthier coexistence with the rest of the family.
Over time, the older adult becomes a more emotionally stable person. In addition, these techniques have the advantage that they can help to keep the elder integrated into society.
Avoids premature aging
One of the most common problems faced by many seniors is premature aging. This usually happens when elderly people are isolated from other people or have some kind of condition. In these cases, because they do not live with other people or do not perform the most common activities, they age rapidly.
Therefore, both physical therapy and occupational therapy are of great help for the elderly, since they prepare them to live with today’s demands. Thus, the older adult is acquiring both physical and mental skills to achieve a happier and more independent life.
Improves their physical health
We already talked a little about the advantages it can have in terms of developing the mind, but it is necessary to talk about the rest of the body. It is very common that when people become elders they suffer from accidents or illnesses that damage their body, causing various limitations.
In these cases, the physiotherapist takes into account the needs of the older adult to offer a therapy that can help them improve their state of health and increase their range of motion. In some cases, therapies can help patients to walk again, in other cases to move their hands or even to be able to stand on their own again.
Before providing treatment to the older adult, the specialists in elderly care Mexico will evaluate aspects such as the state of health, physical, mental and social abilities of the older adult, so they will know what daily activities they will have to work on and will be able to provide them with the exercises.
Prevents diseases
Taking care of the mind and body of the elderly has the benefit of reducing the risk of suffering from other pathologies. Diabetes, overweight, some types of cancer or even osteoporosis, are conditions that can be reduced or even prevented as long as the older adult has this kind of therapy.
Another benefit is that it can also prevent cardiovascular accidents and circulatory problems. Problems that tend to be very common in sedentary older adults.
Tips to find a good therapist
First of all, it is necessary to take into account the therapist’s capabilities, they must be qualified to work in different institutions. They must know how to deal with any kind of problem that may arise and provide the confidence that the seniors need to be able to support them during the treatment.
At El Mirador Retirement Home we are experts in elderly care services, that is why we have qualified therapists with the necessary knowledge to be able to assist them. With the support of our caregivers you will notice how in a short time your loved one becomes more cheerful, independent and self-confident.
We know that caring for an older adult with limitations is not always easy, that’s why at El Mirador Retirement Home we take their therapies very seriously. We have a team of professional caregivers who at all times will provide support to the older adult so that they can improve their quality of life.