Tips for Helping Your Parent Cope with IBS When Out of the Home
For those living with IBS, It may seem as though they are always thinking about their symptoms and when and if they will occur.
Pain, urgency, bloating, and other symptoms can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, and your parent may struggle to cope with them, particularly when they are out of their home. As their family caregiver, it is important to encourage your parent not to give up enjoying an active and engaged lifestyle just because of irritable bowel syndrome. You can help them to prepare for and cope with their condition for when they are out of the home so that they will be more likely to head out and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Homecare in Garden City NY: Coping with IBS
Use these tips to help your parent cope with IBS when they are out of the home:
-Research the places you are going ahead of time to identify the location of restrooms. Knowing that there are restrooms easily accessible can reduce your parent’s anxiety and stress, and actually make it less likely that they will experience symptoms. If you are concerned about the location of restrooms or if there will be public restrooms available, contact the destination directly. Explain the situation to them and work with them to identify a solution. Consider consulting with their doctor to get a note that will discreetly identify the issue and request use of generally nonpublic restrooms if necessary.
-Bring a hygiene kit with you when going on outings. This kit can include items such as baby wipes, cleansing washcloths, hand sanitizer, and preemptive air freshener. Having these items on hand and make your parents feel more comfortable and relaxed.
-Bring extra clothing and leave it in the car so that your parent knows that it is there in the event of an emergency, further reducing anxiety.
-Avoid trying new foods, eating large or heavy meals, or eating foods that are notoriously irritating such as spicy foods or high-fat foods when you do not intend on returning home promptly.
-Talk to your parent’s doctor about medications that they can take to manage symptoms that arise suddenly. Discourage your parent from taking anything that their doctor has not approved as certain medications may actually worse than their symptoms.
A home care provider can make a tremendous difference in your parent’s life if they are living with IBS.
An in-home senior care services provider can be with your parent when they are out of the home to provide support and assistance that can help them to identify restrooms, get to the restroom when necessary, and deal with symptoms in a way that is respectful, dignified, and discreet so that your parent can continue to enjoy an active lifestyle while also effectively managing their IBS symptoms.
If your aging parent has been suffering from increased challenges and needs, your own schedule or abilities have changed and you are no longer able to give them the level of care at that you feel they need and deserve, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to start home care for them. The highly personalized services of an in-home senior care services provider are designed to specifically address your aging parents challenges and needs while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible and to live a lifestyle that is active, engaged, and fulfilling.
These services can include transportation, companionship, meal preparation, assistance with personal care needs such as toileting and bathing, help with housekeeping tasks around the home, medication reminders to help them remain compliant, and more. As their family caregiver, that can help you feel more confident and secure that your loved one will have everything that they need to live their highest quality of life throughout their later years.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare in Garden City, NY, please contact the caring staff at Family First Home Companions. Serving all of Long Island. Call today: (631) 319-3961
Source:
Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.
Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.
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