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It often takes a critical event in our lives to bring feelings of grief. This event might be the death of a family member, the slow progression of a disease or the sudden shock of a health emergency like a fall resulting in broken bones, a stroke or a heart attack. Regardless of the situation there are options to support recovery.
Many older adults surviving a health emergency experience diminished physical capacity. A person recovering from a stroke may no longer be able to dress or bathe alone. They may experience confusion or memory loss. Their previous sharp wit may be notably slower. A person recovering from a broken hip may have great difficulty walking and may now have a significant fear of falling so they limit their activity.
We all mourn the loss of our physical abilities. As caregivers, we mourn the losses of our loved one, especially if it affects our daily routine. It's important to be as patient with ourselves as we are with our family members and to take into consideration the amount of grief they feel about their personal situation. Finding common ground and being compassionate to what our family member still can do is important. It's also important to express optimism about what our loved one will be able to do as they improve their abilities or maintain at a new level.
Being compassionate takes a great deal of patience especially with someone experiencing memory loss. Your loved ones is no longer as quick as he or she once was. Previously it may have taken two minutes to dress, now dressing takes ten minutes. It's extremely important to allow individuals the opportunity to continue to perform normal daily activities in order to validate their self worth and their abilities. While this can be extremely frustrating for those of us who are more able, it's extremely important to the self esteem of the individual who is doing their best day by day just to get by.
Depending on the individual and their ability to recover, the lost physical abilities may never be regained. Advanced age and chronic illness take control. At best, maintenance of the new level of ability may be the goal. This is where physical therapy becomes extremely important. Many physicians offer and many patients refuse. The benefits of physical therapy are integral to making sure your loved one returns to the highest level of physical function possible. The challenge is ensuring that your loved one begins and continues the therapy program. Sometimes it takes an exercise buddy to motivate and to make sure your loved one does the appropriate level of recommended activity.
Research indicates that exercise on a regular basis can improve the mobility and strength of adults well into their 90s. Exercise also may reduce the risk of falls. It's never to late to learn a new habit that can improve or maintain quality of life after an unexpected illness or event. And remember, if you're offered physical therapy, the answer is yes.
Copyright 2011 Pamela D. Wilson all rights reserved.
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