5 Ways to Ease the Aches and Pains of Aging

Home Care Services Northbrook IL - 5 Ways to Ease the Aches and Pains of Aging

According to an article posted on the WebMD website, about 100 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain of some sort. Many more have short-term aches and pains, too. Being in pain can significantly affect your aging relative’s quality of life. It can keep them from being able to perform daily activities and cause them to withdraw from social activities. Pain can also keep them from getting enough physical activity, which can negatively impact their health in other ways.

If your older family member has aches and pains, there are ways to help them feel better. Below are 5 things to try that can ease the pain. 

#1: See a Doctor 

If the older adult has not talked to a doctor about the pain they are experiencing, it’s important that they do so. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong and needs to be treated. The doctor may be able to prescribe medication to reduce pain or refer the senior to a physical therapist. 

#2: Exercise 

Exercising can reduce chronic pain because it strengthens muscles. Stronger muscles help to support joints damaged by arthritis. In addition, exercise increases blood flow around the body, which can help with healing. To get the best results from exercise, older adults should include both aerobic exercise and strength training in their routine. 

#3: Improve Sleeping Position 

Pain can keep your aging relative from sleeping well at night. A lack of sleep can then make them feel worse. By improving their body position while sleeping, seniors may be able to reduce their pain. Purchase some extra pillows to support the body. One of the most important things is to keep the neck in a neutral position. Avoid putting too many pillows under the head so that the neck is bent. It can also help people who sleep on their side to place a pillow between their knees. Those who sleep on their back may be able to relieve back pain by sleeping with a wedge under their knees to reduce pressure on the back. 

#4: Use Over-the-Counter Pain Killers 

Taking over-the-counter pain killers can reduce pain. However, it’s important that older adults talk to their doctor about which pain killers are right for them. Some kinds of over-the-counter medications can interact with prescription medications or should not be used if a person has certain conditions.  

#5: Use Home Care Services

Home care services providers can assist with pain management in several ways. A home care services provider can remind the older adult to use medications recommended by the doctor. In addition, a home care services  provider can give the senior a gentle massage to relieve pain. They can also take on household tasks, like cleaning and cooking, so that your older family member can rest and reduce the risk of aggravating the sore area more. 

Sources:  https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/common-pains-of-age#1 
https://dailycaring.com/11-tips-to-improve-senior-sleep-by-reducing-pain-and-discomfort/ 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Northbrook IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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