Many older adults experience discomfort each day that goes beyond the normal aches and pains that accompany the aging process. Pain is considered chronic when it lasts longer than several months and interferes with normal daily activities. These are five of the most common reasons your loved one may have chronic pain along with a few ways to help him or her manage the symptoms.
1. Cancer
Cancer can occur in just about any part of the body. The pain associated with cancer is usually determined by its location in the body along with the treatments used to manage the condition. Your loved one may experience pain as a side effect of treatments. For instance, chemotherapy can cause headaches, nausea, and increased joint pain. Regular screenings can catch cancer before it grows to the point of causing severe pain. You can also talk to your loved one’s doctor about ways to manage the pain resulting from the treatments.
2. Low Back Pain
This type of chronic pain can be relentless. Your loved one may develop chronic low back pain after an injury, or it could be caused by degenerative changes in the spine. Seniors with low back pain are often encouraged to do things such as lose weight to reduce the pressure on the spine and muscles. Your loved one may also need to avoid strenuous activity that makes the pain worse. Having help around the house can reduce the amount of bending and other activities that can lead to further injury.
Carmichael respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
3. Arthritis
Achy joints are a common issue for seniors, but they become a serious problem when they limit daily activities. Certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, can lead to permanent damage in the joints. Seniors with severe arthritis may need to follow an anti-inflammatory diet and make changes to their daily routines to prevent injuries that occur because of stiff joints.
Aging adults who experience chronic pain can benefit significantly from having professional caregivers help with everyday tasks. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
4. Nerve Damage
Many types of nerve damage can occur as people get older. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which often affects the hands and feet. Seniors may also experience chronic facial pain due to nerves damaged by oral health issues and conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder. Nerve pain can be difficult to treat, but your loved one can work with his or her physician to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD and other digestive disorders tend to worsen in the senior years. Your loved one may experience severe abdominal cramping multiple times a day. In most cases, dietary changes can help with managing the symptoms. Your loved one may also benefit from reducing stress and avoiding known triggers.
In Carmichael, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Call us today at (916) 485-4663 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.