Selecting the lung cancer treatment that is right for your aging parent is a major decision. They must carefully evaluate the options and determine the one that is right not just for the type of cancer they are dealing with, but also their personal health issues, goals, and other needs. By evaluating the potential risks associated with lung cancer treatments, you can further help your parent come to a decision they are confident about. As a family caregiver, this understanding also allows you to design the care approach that will support them through this journey, and reduce the risks of serious complications.
What Types of Risks are Associated with Lung Cancer Treatments?
Some of the risks associated with lung cancer treatment include:
- Blood clots
- Bone issues, including pain and weakness, and increased risk of fractures
- Chemobrain, which is a term used to describe confusion and mental fogginess that occurs when a person is undergoing chemotherapy
- Dental issues, including dry mouth, decay, sores, and tooth loss
- Diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and other difficulties
- Fatigue, which is extremely common but can be detrimental to functioning and quality of life
- Hair loss
- Lymphedema, which is potentially painful swelling caused by accumulation of fluids
- Mouth sores
- Nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and other difficulties
- Neuropathy
- Pain
- Rash
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
Talk to your parent’s doctor about these side effects and how you are able to help your parent manage these effects. Be sure to ask when you should feel concerned, and when you should consider bringing your parent in for further, or even emergency, medical care.
The benefits of elder care are not limited just to physical health and well-being. Instead, an elderly home care services provider can offer your aging parent a wide range of mental and emotional help as well. Simple companionship, including conversations and keeping your parent company, can help them to feel less alone and experience lower risk of depression and isolation. Mental stimulation such as playing games and doing activities help your parent experience better cognitive health and stronger memory. Encouraging your parent to engage in more activities, continue learning, learn new skills, volunteer, and more help your parent to feel more relevant and involved in the world around them, and less like they have lost all of their independence and autonomy. As a family caregiver, knowing your senior has the support can help you it to feel more confident and secure in their quality of life as they age in place.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Pinellas Park, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
