Tips for Helping an Aging Loved One with Chronic Pain

By 9  am on

AH-Blog-Image-3-2.jpg

One of the most common challenges for older adults is living with chronic pain that can be caused by conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. It’s common for seniors to address their discomfort by becoming isolated at home and having a restricted lifestyle. If your aging loved one is living with a condition that results in chronic pain, here are a few ways you can help him or her handle it and enjoy life again. 

Suggest Regular Stretching

Stretching each day can significantly reduce chronic pain in the back, legs, arms, and neck. Performing squats can strengthen the leg muscles, glutes, and hamstrings to make it easier to go up and down stairs. Using a stability ball can also reduce back pain and alleviate discomfort in the joints.

Encourage Daily Physical Activity

It can be challenging to remain active and mobile with chronic pain, but increasing your loved one’s activity level may reduce his or her pain with time. A physical therapist or trainer can provide specific exercises that are customized to treat your loved one’s condition. Your loved one’s doctor can also identify specific movements that may be triggers for the pain.

A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise in safety and comfort. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Try Something New

The thrill of learning and participating in a new activity can allow your loved one to focus on something besides the pain, and in some cases, the activity can even reduce pain levels. For instance, those who want to stay active can try yoga. One pose, in particular, that may reduce pain involves bringing the knees to the chest while lying flat on the floor, which provides gradual relief to joints in the legs and to the back.

Provide Companionship

Because pain causes many seniors to withdraw from social situations, having companionship can go a long way toward boosting their mood and outlook on life. If a full-time job or your own family obligations prevent you from spending as much time as you would like with your loved one, consider hiring a professional home caregiver.

For families living in Potomac, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Adopt a Pet

Adopting a dog, cat, or bird is an effective way to combat the loneliness that can come with chronic pain. Having a pet can bring joy into a senior’s life, and caring for the animal can instill a sense of purpose. The playfulness of a dog or cat can also inspire laughter throughout the day and make it easier to get fresh air outdoors. However, before adopting a pet, make sure your loved one has the ability to care for it, both physically and financially.

A compassionate home caregiver can be a tremendous source of support for a senior living with chronic pain. Potomac in-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our friendly Care Managers today at (301) 363-2580.