Tips to Manage Pain

Managing pain at home can be a challenge for many seniors. It is very common for seniors to experience chronic pain as a result of a health condition. When this happens, senior patients have many options available to help them manage their pain while at home. The list below provides seniors with some more information on the options that are available.

1. Keeping a diary of pain can be beneficial. Many seniors will experience different types of pain throughout the day, so keeping track of these is important when it comes time to go to the doctor. Make sure to note how often pain is experienced, what kind of pain it is, the location of the pain and what makes the pain worse.

2. Become aware of medications that will help to relieve pain. This could include prescription and over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen is a common medication used for pain, as well as NSAIDs.

3. Before taking any type of medication. Patients should always talk to their doctor to make sure the medication will not cause other health problems.

4. There are many ways to reduce pain without having to take medications. This includes physical therapy, exercise, massage and acupuncture.

5. If medicine and non-drug treatments do not work, talk to a doctor about other options that may be available.

Source: AwareofYourCare.com

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Tips for Better Sleep

It is not always for seniors to get a good night’s sleep. This could be for many reasons, but there are many seniors who have extreme difficulty falling asleep at night. By following the tips that are provided in the list below, seniors will be able to sleep better and wake up feeling rejuvenated. Sleep is an important part of senior health, so it is essential that seniors get some good sleep at night.

1. Do not drink coffee or tea before going to bed. Some doctors suggest stopping drinking caffeine by 2 in the afternoon so it has time to leave the body.

2. Do not eat a heavy meal before going to bed. Some foods can help seniors sleep, such as whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables and chicken breast. Late night snackers should choose cottage cheese with fruit slices.

3. Avoid wine before retiring for the night. Have a glass of wine at dinner, but no later.

4. Take baths earlier in the day. While some people may become relaxed after a bath, it will raise the body temperature and make it difficult to sleep.

5. Gentle stretching may help seniors sleep better. Avoid excessive exercising before bed, but yoga can help relax the body and the mind.

6. Keep the room dark and cool. Dim lights around the house a few hours before bedtime, using the least amount of light as possible.

7. Shut off cell phones and computers at least an hour before bed. This will help seniors unwind and let the day end.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/17/how.best.sleep/index.html

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.