Fostering Social Connections
Your senior has the chance to work toward their health and wellness goals in a community setting with others who have similar life experiences. That helps create a sense of camaraderie as everyone works together toward shared objectives.
Group physical therapy also offers your loved one the opportunity to socialize with their neighbors and get to know other residents. Interacting with others keeps them engaged and reduces their risk of isolation, loneliness and depression. Establishing a sense of belonging may increase your senior’s desire to participate in more therapy sessions and support others.
Motivation Through Shared Goals
Physical therapy is a collaborative activity that requires your loved one to work with others to achieve their wellness goals. A group setting can also provide a sense of team spirit that motivates your senior to continue to improve their strength and mobility.
Seeing others participate can inspire your mom or dad to cheer on their friends as they push themselves, too. That may ease potential feelings of intimidation or hesitation and even lead to friendly competition.
Tailored Exercises for Diverse Needs and Abilities
Your loved one will undergo an assessment to evaluate their ability, mobility and medical needs before they begin group physical therapy. That allows the staff to determine specific goals based on your senior’s capabilities.
Physical therapists offer exercise variations including seated alternatives and advanced options. Your loved one gets to decide their participation level and how much they want to challenge themselves. Mom or Dad has the choice to opt out of specific activities if they’re too challenging or don’t address their unique needs.
Improving Balance, Strength and Mobility Over Time
As your loved one develops their muscles and coordination, they can use adaptable tools like resistance bands, light hand weights and therapy balls to progress.
Some of the physical advantages of attending group physical therapy include:
Stronger muscles: Strengthening their arms, core and leg muscles can help your mom or dad maintain their stability, making daily tasks like standing and walking easier.
Better balance: Physical therapy exercises include balance techniques like standing on one leg or using a balance board to improve stability. Good balance can lower their risk of falls and injuries, too.
Enhanced mobility: Stretching and range of motion exercises support joint flexibility, making movement and transitions more comfortable. Aerobic activity can also help your senior build their stamina.
Improved coordination: Some physical therapy practices combine upper and lower body movements to improve your loved one’s spatial awareness and coordination.
A Fun and Engaging Environment
Group physical therapy isn’t all work and no play. There are a variety of interactive games and activities that combine exercise with entertainment and music to provide an engaging experience. As your parent navigates their wellness journey, they’ll have access to different programs and techniques to achieve their goals.
Those may include:
- Music therapy
- Dance lessons
- Themed sessions
- Ball toss
- Yoga or tai chi
- Chair volleyball
Group Physical Therapy for Assisted Living Residents at Embassy Healthcare
Whether your loved one wants to improve their mobility or feel comfortable participating in a favorite hobby again, physical therapy can help them reach their goal. Embassy Healthcare offers a variety of individual and group therapy programs to suit your loved one’s preferences. Learn more about our assisted living communities and schedule a tour.