As a family caregiver for an elderly adult you likely already know that seniors tend to have immune systems that are lower and less effective than those of younger people. This means that older adults are more vulnerable to contracting infections and illnesses, and have a more difficult time fighting off those issues when they do develop them, putting their health, well-being, and even longevity at serious risk. There are some conditions that can make this situation even more serious, including cystic fibrosis, also called CF.
Though the median age of survival of this condition is 40, today’s advancements in medicine mean that many people are living far longer with CF, putting them in a position of requiring special care as they grow older.
May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, the ideal time for you to learn more about this genetic condition and how you can help your elderly parent cope with it so that they can avoid the serious infections and respiratory illnesses that often occur as a result of this condition.
4 Cystic Fibrosis Home Care Tips
Use these tips to help you care for an elderly adult who is living with cystic fibrosis:
Tip #1. Ensure Awareness
Make sure that anyone who is on your care team is aware of your parent’s condition and knows what needs to be done to properly care for them. This can help to lower the chances of infection and illness.
Tip #2. Encourage Compliance
Remaining compliant with medications, treatments, and any instructions given by their doctor is critical to your parent getting the most benefit from them. Ensure that you understand these guidelines and can give your parent reminders to help them follow through when and how they are supposed to.
Tip #3. Effective Germ Control
Aggressive germ control is important for everyone but critical for seniors living with CF. The thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the lungs of a person with CF allows germs to thrive, quickly leading to serious infections and illnesses. Ensure that your aging parent’s home stays clean, that you both practice regular handwashing, and that your parent avoids contact with those who are or have recently been ill.
Tip #4. Encourage a Beneficial Diet
The buildup of mucus in the pancreas can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients properly. Work with their doctor to come up with a dietary approach that is high enough in fat, calories, and nutrients to ensure that their body is getting everything that it needs to stay strong and healthy.
Contact Care Options for Kids for Cystic Fibrosis Home Care Assistance
If your elderly parent has been suffering from a health challenge such as cystic fibrosis or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your senior loved one on a fully customized schedule that is tailored specifically to them. This ensures that your parent will have access to the care, support, and assistance that they need, while allowing you to continue giving them the level of care that you want to and are able to provide.
An elderly care provider can work with your parent to create a highly personalized set of services designed to not only help them manage their needs, challenges, and limitations, but also to encourage them to maintain a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, and independent as possible throughout their later years.
When it comes to handling health issues, one of the most beneficial services that this elderly care provider can offer for your aging parent is reminders to help with medication and treatment compliance. This will help ensure that your senior will take their medications or follow other guidelines from their doctor when and how they were meant to in order to gain the maximum benefit.
If you or an aging loved one are considering cystic fibrosis home care services, contact the caring staff at Care Options for Kids. Call today (888) 592-5855.
Sources
https://www.al.com/news/2016/04/cystic_fibrosis_awareness_mont.html
https://www.cff.org/intro-cf/about-cystic-fibrosis
