What is elderly rehabilitation?
Elderly rehabilitation relates to the assessment and treatment of the older individual who may present with multiple, complex conditions. These may include Parkinson’s disease, falls, and osteoarthritis to name but a few.
Physiotherapy treatment must be specifically tailored to each individual to help improve their independence and enjoyment of life. At heads up! we provide individual assessments and physiotherapy treatment for the elderly. We will also work alongside your family and, where appropriate, your carers, to enable you to reach your maximum potential for independent living.
Why is elderly rehabilitation important?
As we age the systems of our bodies change and this may affect our ability to carry out daily activities. For example muscles can become weaker, affecting our ability to stand and walk and may cause balance problems, increasing the risk of falling. If this is not addressed then we become less mobile and more dependent on others for every day tasks, and our confidence decreases.
At heads up! we regularly help people with problems such as muscle weakness, generally reduced mobility and stiffness, poor balance and decreased confidence and independence.
Who would benefit from elderly rehabilitation?
Elderly rehabilitation can be beneficial for those who might have had a fall, lost their confidence, or perhaps after a spell in hospital are feeling generally weaker with reduced fitness levels.
At heads up! we will work with you to set goals that are personal to you. This ensures that everyone gains some benefit to attending physiotherapy, and motivates you further to practise the exercises we prescribe. The goals can be anything at all, perhaps getting in and out of bed independently, or to do your buttons up yourself. While these could seem like small goals to someone else, at heads up! we understand that they will make a huge difference to your life.
What is involved in Elderly rehabilitation?
Treatment sessions will be mixed and varied so as to ensure you enjoy each appointment. By asking you to do a little bit of work at home, we will be able to move on quicker and you will notice more of an improvement in achieving your personal goal.
Elderly rehabilitation may include:
- Exercises to strengthen muscles and reduce your risk of falling
- Activities graded to improve fitness levels
- Gentle stretching to improve range of movement
- Advice on the choice of home equipment and aids to increase independence
- Gait re-education and balance exercises
- The opportunity to practice functional tasks in a safe environment
- Visiting your home to advise on activities and exercises to do
- Supporting and working with family and carers to ensure that they are giving appropriate help and support as required
- Working on stairs, steps and uneven surfaces to improve outdoor mobility