Very little is known about fibromyalgia, a disease with no known cure and little understanding in the medical community about what causes it. When aging adults develop fibromyalgia, it can significantly affect their ability to age in place. Many family caregivers are unsure about whether their elderly loved ones can still live at home once they are diagnosed with the disease.
The good news is that most of the time, elder care providers can help seniors with fibromyalgia live at home and properly deal with the symptoms associated with the disease.
Why Is Fibromyalgia So Serious for Seniors?
The reason fibromyalgia is so serious for aging adults is because the symptoms are so debilitating during a flare-up. The most common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, aching joints, tenderness in the abdomen, sore muscles and highly sensitive skin. Certain things can trigger the symptoms to intensify, such as stress, tiredness, certain foods, and even other chronic conditions.
At their peak, fibromyalgia symptoms may prevent seniors from doing many of the daily tasks they need to in order to live alone at home. They may struggle to shower, get dressed, fix meals for themselves and keep the house clean. Some days may see them not even get out of bed because the pain is so great. Family caregivers who want to make sure their aging relatives have the best care while still living at home hire elder care providers to assist seniors with daily tasks.
Fibromyalgia Treatments in Elderly Adults
Doctors cannot cure fibromyalgia, just treat the symptoms and guide elderly adults in making lifestyle changes that help them avoid triggers for flare-ups. Of course, doctors prescribe pain relievers and muscle relaxers to help with the day-to-day discomfort of fibromyalgia. They also provide seniors and family caregivers with some tips on lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms.
The most common lifestyle changes for seniors with fibromyalgia include exercise, a healthy diet, and restful sleep. When these three areas are under control, the symptoms of the disease tend to recede. A low-stress environment is also helpful in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia.
One of the best ways for family caregivers to ensure their aging loved one can live at home with fibromyalgia is to hire an elder care provider. These professionals step in and take care of the bulk of the housework, like cleaning and laundry, so the elderly relative can rest. Elder care providers can also assist seniors with self-care on the days when the symptoms are quite bad. They can assist with showering, dressing, grooming and hygiene tasks, especially when the aging adult is struggling.
Elder care providers can be the solution to the problem of elderly adults living on their own while dealing with fibromyalgia. When they are taken care of daily in their own home, seniors are better able to concentrate their energy on health and healing while leaving the daily duties to the elder care provider.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Havertown, PA, please talk to the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services LLC today. Serving individuals and their families in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. Call Today: (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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