Caring for an elderly relative can be challenging at times, particularly if he or she has been diagnosed with a chronic disease. Lupus is an inflammatory disease that develops when the immune system attacks its own tissues, and it typically affects women no older than 44. However, the disease can affect both men and women well into their senior years, and they need special consideration to remain healthy. Following are a few tips for providing care for an aging loved one who is living with late-onset lupus.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Overexposure to sunlight can trigger the symptoms of lupus. Make sure your loved one always wears sunblock with an SPF of at least 15, and limit his or her time outdoors to the morning or late afternoon. Staying covered up when outside by wearing long-sleeved shirts and sun hats can reduce the risk of exacerbating or triggering lupus symptoms.
Have a Plan for Managing Stress
Much like excess sun exposure, too much stress can make seniors with lupus fall ill. To manage stress, your loved one can practice yoga or meditation, or he or she can even create an indoor garden. Gardening inside can keep your loved one away from harmful UV rays, and it can be just as cathartic and relaxing as managing a garden outside.
Your loved one can also benefit from receiving help from a caregiver between visits from family. Assistance with household cleaning, meal preparation, and transportation can keep stress at bay.
Living with unmanaged stress can negatively impact quality of life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust home care service experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Implement a Diet that Supports the Bones
Osteoporosis is a common secondary problem among elderly people with lupus, and it’s important to ensure your loved one’s diet is always providing adequate nutrients. Key minerals for building, strengthening, and preserving the bones can be obtained through regular servings of bone broth. This savory liquid can be used when steaming leafy vegetables or preparing sauces, gravies, and soups. Your loved one can also talk to a doctor about taking calcium and other nutritional supplements in conjunction with prescribed osteoporosis medications.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Milwaukee at-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Encourage Moderate Routine Exercise
Moderate low-impact exercises are great for alleviating stress caused by lupus because they incite the production of potent mood-boosting chemicals. Sign your loved one up for a water aerobics class, schedule walks in the early evening or late afternoon, or find age- and condition-appropriate YouTube videos you and your loved one can exercise to at home. Scheduling fitness activities with a social component can also relieve stress, depression, and anxiety.
Seniors can still live long and productive lives while managing lupus. However, it’s important they have the support they need to remain healthy. Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted provider of Milwaukee live-in care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
