Taking care of your health becomes more and more vital with age, and one of the biggest problems that seniors deal with is chronic pain. Living in persistent pain, whether from back issues, arthritis, or other chronic ailments, can have a serious negative influence on their quality of life. However, there are practical methods for controlling and reducing this discomfort, especially when seniors have senior home care providers on their side.

Senior Home Care Kingsburg CA – A Comprehensive Guide for Seniors to Manage Persistent Pain

Understanding Persistent Pain

Any discomfort that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic or persistent. Numerous illnesses, such as arthritis, neuropathy, and persistent back issues, can cause it. In contrast to acute pain, which signals an injury, chronic pain lasts longer and can be harder to manage. Seniors might also be unwilling to talk about the pain because they don’t want to be a burden, especially if steps have been taken to alleviate the pain with no progress. When this becomes an issue, both loved ones and home care can provide encouragement in a gentle and caring way.

Tips for Managing Pain

While each situation is different, some tips loved ones and senior home care might incorporate to help seniors manage the pain, including the following:

Speak with Healthcare Providers: Visiting the doctor regularly is essential. They can provide individualized treatment regimens that might involve prescription drugs, physical therapy, or other therapies.

Medication: Speaking of medication, acetaminophen and ibuprofen—two over-the-counter pain medications—can be beneficial. However, if those don’t work, seniors can talk with their doctor about prescribing something stronger. At the same time, home health should encourage seniors to heed their doctor’s advice and bring up any adverse effects or worries.

Physical Management Exercise: Consistently engaging in mild exercise can help lower discomfort and increase range of motion. For seniors, exercises like yoga, swimming, and walking are great. When starting any new workout regimen, seniors should be reminded to start cautiously and get medical advice first.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Reduce Pain

Along with the tips above, there are some lifestyle changes that seniors may incorporate, such as the following:

Healthy Diet: Anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help control pain. A balanced diet rich in these items can also help. Seniors should steer clear of processed foods and added sugars, as these might exacerbate inflammation.

Hydration: Maintaining adequate hydration is beneficial to general health and helps ease joint discomfort.

Sufficient Sleep: Insufficient sleep might make pain worse. To enhance the quality of sleep, seniors should establish a consistent sleep schedule and ensure their sleeping environment is comfortable.

Alternative Medical Interventions

Finally, there are alternative medical interventions that can help seniors manage pain. These include things like acupuncture, chiropractic care, or even herbal supplements. Of course, seniors should talk with their medical team before exploring any of these alternatives. At the same time, home health might be able to provide education and resources to help seniors understand their options.

Medications, exercise, dietary adjustments, complementary and alternative therapies, and emotional support are all part of the complex strategy for managing persistent pain. Seniors can effectively reduce pain and improve their quality of life by combining the tips above with the support they get from loved ones and senior home care.

Sources: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-helping-older-adults

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Kingsburg CA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.

Private Duty Home Care in Fresno, Madera, Kern Counties, and surrounding communities. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Gina Kendall

Gina Kendall has over 25 years of work experience serving the aging and the disabled. Her extensive experience in care and management began as a Social Services Coordinator in skilled nursing facilities. While working in this capacity, she became aware of the need for, and the importance of, good, quality, home care. Gina worked with families to keep their loved ones home and avoid a return visit to the hospital. As she continued her career of service, she began working with the disabled population helping to expand and improve their independence throughout all aspects of life.

This combination of experiences has afforded Gina a unique view of the needs of the aging and the disabled and how to best serve those needs in a home setting.

Gina’s Central Valley roots run deep. She earned her BA degree from Fresno State in 1993 and has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 20 years. In addition to raising her family in Fresno, she is actively involved in her local church and is a volunteer for various local community organizations.

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