Elderly Care in South Hills PA
Chronic pain is frustrating for your elderly loved one. She may feel that she never has any respite from the pain, and this can make everything else in her life very difficult. There are some things that you can do for her as her family caregiver to help her find some relief.
Talk to Her Doctor
When chronic pain is something your loved one is living with, you really need to keep her medical providers in the loop. They can offer other suggestions for things that might help your loved one’s pain levels. It could also be time to adjust your loved one’s pain medication. If you’re not sure how your loved one is doing with her pain levels on a daily basis, talk with her and with her senior care providers to see what insight they can offer.
Help Her Stay Active
Staying active may sound counterintuitive when it comes to chronic pain, but depending on the cause for the pain, this can actually be helpful. She doesn’t have to run marathons, of course, but walking during the day can help with blood flow and endorphin levels. Keeping active can also help to keep your loved one’s mind off the pain. Check with her medical team about the types of activities that are best for her.
Try Alternative Methods
Naturopathic treatments, acupuncture, and massage are all alternative therapies that might help with your loved one’s chronic pain. Everyone finds different levels of effectiveness, so your loved one might find no relief or a lot. If she’s open to trying some of these treatments, they might prove beneficial. Double check with her doctors to be sure that the treatments don’t interfere with her current treatment plan.
Be Alert to What She Isn’t Saying
Sometimes elderly loved ones aren’t open about their chronic pain. They might see it as a weakness or that they’re being a burden on friends and family. So it’s important to listen to what she isn’t telling you. If she grimaces or groans when she moves, she might be in some pain. Lower activity levels than usual or trouble eating or sleeping can also indicate increased pain levels. Start becoming a detective about what your loved one’s “tells” are so you can be aware.
Helping your loved one with chronic pain can be frustrating, but there are lots of things you can try.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care services in South Hills, PA, please call and talk to the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Pittsburgh at (412) 693-6009. We will answer all of your questions.
Source
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/treating-pain-elderly
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