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How to Help Your Aging Loved One Cope with Chronic Headaches

August 11, 2016

Elder Care in Tequesta FL

Elder Care in Tequesta FLHeadaches are extremely common, but no matter how frequently they occur, they can make a negative impact on your parent's health, well-being, and quality of life. Helping your loved one to understand their headaches and then giving them the care that will help them to cope with this pain will help them to live a life that is comfortable, healthy, and fulfilling. It is first important to realize that even though headaches are common and most are not an indication of anything serious, there are times when a headache could be a sign of a major problem going on. If your parent experiences any of the following symptoms, it is vital that they get medical attention as soon as possible as they could be an indication of a much more serious issue happening: • Confusion • Difficulty speaking • Difficulty understanding or following a conversation • Fainting • Fever over 102 to 104 degrees • Difficulty walking • Difficulty seeing • Difficulty speaking • Stiffness in the neck • Vomiting or nausea that is not clearly and directly related to another condition • Headaches that become more frequent than usual • Headaches that are more severe than usual • Headaches that do not get better or that worsen after using self-care approaches such as over the counter medication and resting • Headaches that disrupt your parent's life such as not allowing them to sleep or stop them from participating in the activities that they enjoy the most If your parent's headaches do not require such treatment, use these tips to help them cope with the pain and discomfort:
• Encourage them to drink more water. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, especially during the hotter months of the year. Remember that caffeine and alcohol both dehydrate the body so they do not count toward the fluid intake for the day.
• Ensure they are getting enough rest. When your parent is suffering a headache, encourage them to rest. Sleep deprivation is a common cause of headache and getting rest can help your parent recover from the acute headache.
• Cool their body. Overheating can contribute to headaches and worsen them once they occur. If your parent is suffering a headache, take steps to cool them down. Place a cool washcloth across their forehead or on the back of their neck to cool them down quickly and ease the pain.
• Encourage more activity. Inactivity can contribute to headaches, as well as not getting enough sleep, which can also lead to headaches. As long as your parent's headaches are not triggered by exercise, encourage them to get active for at least 20 minutes every day. If your elderly parent has been dealing with chronic headaches, it may be time to consider hiring elder care. The personalized care and assistance of an elderly home care services provider can help your senior to cope with the pain and discomfort of their headaches and to find ways that they can reduce the chances of them suffering further headaches. Knowing that your aging loved one has this care and support is also a way to help ease your stress and concern regarding your parent's well-being, giving you greater confidence and helping you to give you peace of mind that they can have the highest quality of life possible as they age in place. Source http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/causes/sym-20050800 http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050800
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Tequesta, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.