Meniere’s Disease is an inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. It can occur at any age, but most people develop it between 40-60 so it might be something your loved one has dealt with for a long time but now that he’s older, he’s finding the symptoms are greatly interfering with his ability to live independently. When Meniere’s disease combines with other health issues of the elderly, it can make some of the most basic tasks around the home not only difficult to perform but dangerous as well. Here are a few important things to know about Meniere’s Disease, and how home care can support seniors who suffer from it.

Meniere’s Disease Symptoms

Meniere’s disease symptoms are created by a fluid imbalance within an area of the inner ear called the labyrinth. The labyrinth is home to organs that are responsible for both hearing and balance. Many of the symptoms it creates can come and go but as the disease progresses (or combines with other health conditions) they occur more often and are stronger.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Sudden episodes of vertigo that don’t seem to have a direct cause. These bursts of vertigo can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 12 hours.
• An inability to hear low- to medium-frequency sounds.
• Ringing in the ears that comes and goes. Also known as tinnitus, it can be described as a ringing sound to some, or as a buzzing, humming, or whooshing sound that has no source.
• Pain and/or pressure in the ear.
• Nausea.

How Meniere’s Disease Affects the Elderly

While the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease are common among all ages, as your loved one has aged, the symptoms can compound into two other main concerns

• Falls. The vertigo that Meniere’s Disease creates can increase the risk of falls for your elderly loved one.
• Isolation. Meniere’s disease can reduce the ability to hear well, especially in crowded social situations. The constant ringing in the ear can make conversations near impossible at times, causing your loved one to withdraw from activities and gatherings that he used to love because of the frustration associated with not being able to hear properly.

How Home Care Can Help Those with Meniere’s Disease

Symptoms of Meniere’s disease often come and go without a lot of warning. That can mean that certain activities may become more dangerous for your loved one should he suddenly develop vertigo while trying to perform a task. Climbing up ladders, taking a shower and other tasks that require consistent balance should be avoided. A home care provider can help your loved one stay independent by stepping in and assisting with tasks that might otherwise put him in a dangerous situation.

A home care team can also provide constant and compassionate care for someone dealing with a loss of hearing that may make them feel isolated. Knowing someone is always there for them can reduce feelings of loneliness.

If your loved one’s doctor recommends a diet change or lifestyle change (such as stopping smoking) to help reduce Meniere’s disease symptoms, a home care team can help by providing meals that match the dietary adjustments suggested as well as providing positive reinforcement as your loved one tries to reduce or quit his smoking or drinking habit. Having someone else in the home at all times will support overall lifestyle changes that can help him manage his Meniere’s disease.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Gainesville, GA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands – Serving Forsyth and North Fulton County today at (770) 744-3928.

Assisting Hands – Serving Forsyth and North Fulton County provides exceptional home care in Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Gainesville, Suwanee and the surrounding areas in Georgia.