Tips for Helping Your Older Loved One Choose an Exercise Program

Once your aging loved one has determined staying fit during the senior years is a concept he or she wants to wholeheartedly embrace, the next step is to find an exercise program that best fits your parent’s needs and goals. To help you find the senior exercise program that’s best for your loved one, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind. 

Look for Age-Friendly Facilities

You don’t necessarily have to settle for a facility that’s exclusively for seniors, especially if your parent prefers being around people of all ages. More fitness centres are offering programs that accommodate older patrons. When you’re choosing a fitness facility for your loved one:

• Take a tour of the facility to get a feel for the atmosphere (e.g., background noise, amenities, locker rooms and shower areas, etc.)
• Ask questions about their senior-oriented programs
• See if your loved one can take a free trial class 
• Ask a friend, family member, or caregiver to accompany your loved one

If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Winnipeg, MB, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

Sign Up for Program-Specific Classes 

If your loved one is interested a specific type of class (e.g., water aerobics, senior swimming, yoga, stretching, etc.), look for classes offered by: 

• Local senior centres
• Churches and community centres
• Local libraries

Note: Many of these programs are fairly inexpensive or free

Ask the Doctor for Recommendations 

If your loved one has certain health concerns (e.g., arthritis, recovering from recent surgery), ask the doctor to recommend a program that’s likely to work best for your parent. The doctor will also be able to advise you on whether your loved one may need assistance from a family member or professional caregiver to perform specific exercises safely. Some larger hospitals also offer senior exercise programs or sponsor local programs.  Most seniors are able to enjoy the benefits of exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Senior home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Start a Group 

Having difficulty finding a program that’s right for your loved one? Try putting together an informal group of friends with similar fitness goals. Consider the following:

• Starting a mall walking group
• Scheduling regular neighbourhood walks
• Working with your local senior centre to start a program

There are plenty of online directories that can serve as excellent starting points for finding senior exercise programs in your area. Do a little digging and read some online reviews for particular programs your loved one is interested in to get a better idea of what’s good and what may not be all that great about each program before committing. Seniors who need help exercising safely can benefit from the help of trained professional caregivers. Winnipeg home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Call us today at (204) 489-6000 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.