The majority of those 65 and over will have a reason to seek out Yoga therapy at some point, whether it’s for post-surgery rehabilitation or to improve their overall health. For many, the primary reason is mobility challenges: The CDC reports that 40% of seniors have mobility issues that keep them from functioning at their best. Whether it’s something as overwhelming as using a walker to get around or as simple as getting in and out of the shower, physical therapists can help older adults gain the skills and confidence to maneuver through their day and avoid falls or injury.

Thankfully, caregivers and older adults are no longer forced to travel to Yoga therapy. Because many seniors in need of Yoga therapy have difficulty getting around, in-home Yoga therapy can be a game-changer for them and their caregivers. Getting in and out of the car or navigating a new location like a PT facility can feel scary for seniors who have difficulty walking or feel physically unsure of themselves. And caregivers may get anxious and stressed about managing their older adult’s transportation as well as getting in and out of buildings, elevators, and cars, which can often be complicated. 

Benefits of bringing a Yoga therapist to your senior’s home

Bringing a Yoga therapist to the home is beneficial for many reasons beyond the difficulty of getting to the PT office. 

Safety first

In-home Yoga therapy sessions allow the therapist to evaluate the home for safety hazards and give the caregiver tips for making the environment safer for the older adult.

Calmer environment

Sometimes, clinics and medical facilities can be noisy, busy, and impersonal. And if your older adult has hearing loss, they may not understand all of their yoga therapist’s instructions in a clinical setting. At-home sessions are quieter, more manageable for your senior to adapt to, and allow the therapist to get to know your situation better than they could in an office.

Health checks are easier

At-home visits give the therapist a consistent view of your senior’s health and well-being during each session. You may miss health issues while you’re busy maintaining the home and making sure the business of life gets done; the Yoga Therapist may spot challenges you don’t.

Life skills are addressed in real-time

Because the Yoga therapist is working in the home, they can help with specific challenges and see what needs to be done instead of imagining them during office visits. For example, suppose your senior has a hard time getting into bed. In that case, the Yoga therapist can suggest exercises and tools that make that easier by watching them actually get into bed rather than hearing it from you.

The burden is lifted

You may not mind the extra work of taking your seniors to and from Yoga therapy, but it may make them feel like a burden. On the other hand, bringing a therapist to the home reduces the time you’ll spend preparing to go, driving to a clinic, and settling in when you return home.