Helping Your Elderly Loved One Prevent the Flu

Homecare Northbrook IL - Helping Your Elderly Loved One Prevent the Flu

The flu is very common in the elderly. In fact, in recent years more and more elderly adults are falling ill to the flu and even dying from it. There are many forms of the flu that elderly adults can get. Some of the symptoms of the flu include a sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, loss of sleep, and much more. If your elderly loved one catches the flu, they are likely to feel worn down and not want to do anything.

You can help your loved one to prevent the flu with the following tips.  

Getting Enough Sleep 

One of the best ways to help your elderly loved one to prevent the flu is making sure that they get enough quality sleep. Sleeping is a great way to prevent many different types of illnesses. With sleep, the body is able to release the proper proteins that help to fight off stress and illnesses. In addition, the loss of sleep lowers the number of antibodies the body needs to fight off the flu. If your elderly loved one isn’t getting enough sleep as of now, talk to their doctor to see how they can get better sleep.  

Preparation Tips 

In addition to making sure that your elderly loved one gets quality sleep, you can also make sure they get the flu shot every year. These shots help with the prevention of the flu, especially in young children and elderly adults. The flu can bring about very serious symptoms in your elderly loved one. Helping to prevent the flu in the first place is one way to fight against this nasty illness.  

Washing Their Hands 

You and your loved one’s caregivers should also make sure that your elderly loved one is washing their hands often. This is one of the best ways to prevent illnesses including the flu. You should also make sure that you and their caregivers go through their home and disinfect everything often. This will prevent the spread of germs, as well.  

Stocking Up 

If your elderly loved one does get the flu, you want to make sure you are prepared by stocking up on things they might need. Some of these things include cough drops, fever-reducing medicines to keep their temperature down, and easy-to-eat foods. 

These are some of the best tips for helping your elderly loved one prevent the flu. Now that you have these tips, get working on them right away. Flu season is here and you want to make sure to keep your elderly loved one as healthy as possible.  

Sources :  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm 

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

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