Home Care in Allentown PA
July 18 through 25 is Restless Leg Syndrome Education and Awareness Week. This is the ideal opportunity for you to learn more about this frustrating condition and find out what you can do to help your elderly parent cope with the uncomfortable symptoms. RLS is a condition that impacts as much as 10 percent of the total population of the United States, and approximately 2 to 3 percent of the adult population of the country suffers from a severe form of the condition that can have a truly negative impact on their quality of life.
RLS can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Itching sensation within the legs
- Tingling of the legs
- Twitching feeling deep within the legs
- The sensation that there are bugs crawling inside the legs
- The irresistible urge to get up and walk, shake their legs, or otherwise move their legs
- Restlessness
Because the symptoms of RLS are most common when the person is sitting or lying down, they can cause serious sleep disturbances or loss of sleep. Over time this can make a dramatic impact on your parent’s health and quality of life. It is important to note that while the urge to move when dealing with the symptoms of RLS may seem overwhelming and irresistible, this condition does not actually cause the muscles to move. Approximately 80 percent of those who deal with this condition, however, also deal with a condition known as PLMS, or periodic limb movement of sleep. This condition actually is characterized by involuntary movements and can cause kicking, twitching, and tossing.
Fortunately there are ways to help your loved one cope with this condition that can make dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms something that your loved one can do with your support or with the help of an elder care provider.
Use these tips to help your senior deal with their RLS symptoms:
- Acknowledge them. One of the most important things that you can do for your parent is to acknowledge that they really are going through something. Many people dealing with RLS feel as though they are being “overdramatic” or that their condition cannot be treated. By acknowledging that your loved one really is experiencing these symptoms and that there is something that can be done you can empower them to take the necessary steps to overcome their symptoms and improve their health.
- Control their vices. Certain substances can increase the intensity and duration of the RLS symptoms that your aging parent experiences. Encourage them to reduce or even eliminate their consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and not to use tobacco.
- Encourage exercise. Regular moderate exercise each day can help to reduce the symptoms of RLS. Talk to your parent’s doctor about their symptoms and get recommendations for the types of exercise that are right for your loved one and how to know when they are doing enough.
- Consider massage. Lightly massaging the legs before bed can relax the muscles, easing the discomfort and reducing the chances of serious symptoms.
If you are considering home care in Allentown, PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
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