Video Games Helpful in Stroke Recovery?

Video games aren’t just for kids! For several years, doctors and therapists have been recommending that elderly individuals that are going through rehabilitation use motion sensitive games, like those on the Nintendo Wii, to help encourage them to be more active and focus on their recovery. And because video games can be fun, it makes the often painful side effects of rehab a little bit more manageable.

 

It makes sense that a video game could be a useful tool when it comes to rehabilitation, especially when it closely mimics the desired movement. When it comes to a stroke, sometimes any movement at all can be helpful in certain parts of the body. And although this makes sense on a logical level, the research is beginning to confirm that these observations do have merit to them. In the medical field, research can often be slow, but now that video games have been shown to have clinical value for those going through physical therapy after a stroke, it’s likely that video games will be used with increasing frequency.

 

Video games can be a lot of fun, but even more than that, they can be something that bridge the generational gap. It’s really easy to complain that kids spend too much time playing games, but when it’s planned and done constructively, this can actually be a very rewarding and beneficial experience for a family. It’s something that can help bring the elderly and younger kids together. Some activities on the Wii or whatever other system your elderly loved one might be using are specially designed for rehab activities, but you don’t need to have a specially designed game to reap the benefits of this activity. Even simple movements on these systems have been shown to have benefits for those recovering from a stroke. The relationships that games can help build are very important for the overall strength of your family. It doesn’t necessarily need to be done through a video game, but thanks so the physical therapy component that seniors face, this might be a good choice for some families.

 

 

This is great news for families that want their loved ones to stay in the home for as long as possible. Therapy can be tough to do, especially when your loved one already has difficulty getting around. If coupled with a strong care plan, this might be a workable alternative. Get in touch with a doctor if you have any questions.

 

Many people that have both elderly individuals and children in their households find themselves trapped between two worlds. They have a parent to care for, and they have their own children to care for, too. This can be increasingly tough to do when your mom or dad has had a stroke. But little things like watching your children play a game with their grandparent can be very rewarding. It is beneficial to everyone involved, and it can bring your family closer together when it’s done right. This certainly isn’t a replacement for a professional in-home caregiver, but it can be a helpful activity for some families. Talk to a senior care expert if you have any questions regarding your loved one’s care.

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