Chronic respiratory issues, such as COPD, impact seniors’ ability to care for themselves. Caring for an aging parent with respiratory health issues requires you to set up a home environment that keeps him or her well while also providing for other needs. Fortunately, many seniors with respiratory conditions can continue to enjoy life when they have the proper kinds of support in place.
Focus on Infection Prevention
For seniors with breathing difficulties, even a common cold can be seriously detrimental to their health. Frequent handwashing can reduce the number of germs your loved one is exposed to, and everyone should wash their hands anytime they enter the home or perform caregiving tasks. Your loved one may also need to limit his or her exposure to other people during periods of high rates of disease in the community, such as during flu season. Sticking to one or two main caregivers can keep your parent healthier.
Seniors with respiratory issues often require assistance to complete daily tasks. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Prestige Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care Prestige Home Care, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Increase the Indoor Air Quality
Your loved one breathes the air inside his or her home more than anywhere else. Home HVAC systems can remove toxins from the air, and the filters should be changed regularly. Vacuuming carpeted areas using an appliance with a HEPA filter can further reduce dust, pollen, and other allergens in the air. If you or anyone else smokes, it’s best to stop. Keeping windows closed as much as possible also prevents allergens from getting inside.
Choose Loose & Comfortable Cloting
Someone with breathing problems may face additional difficulties if he or she is wearing clothing that’s too tight around the chest and abdomen. Look for loose clothing that provides room to breathe. Elastic waistbands and nonrestrictive undergarments give seniors more room to expand their diaphragms and chests as they breathe.
Plan Indoor Activities During Days with Poor Air Quality
Boredom and lonelines are concerns for older adults who may not be able to get out as much during times when the air quality is poor. Have some ideas for activities in mind to keep your loved one occupied when he or she would rather go outside. Consider having a companion stop by to brighten your loved one’s day, or you can pick out a special game to play together. Keeping your loved one busy is also important during times when he or she is having more difficulty breathing.
A home caregiver can provide both companionship and compassionate care for your loved one. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Trust Prestige Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Have a Long-Term Care Plan
Most chronic conditions worsen over time. You might be able to provide for most of your loved one’s needs right now, but that could rapidly change in the future. Create a long-term care plan that includes options for who can care for your loved one if he or she needs around-the-clock assistance. The plan should also detail things such as how you’ll address managing medications and watching for signs of new symptoms. Introducing a home caregiver now can ease the transition to a higher level of care as your loved one’s respiratory challenges progress
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional 24-hour care. Altamonte Springs seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Call Prestige Home Care today at (407) 232-7155 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.