Seniors can sustain a variety of injuries after falling, and a concussion is one of the most common and potentially problematic if not treated properly. Here are three steps you can take to help your elderly loved one if he or she has had a concussion.
1. Seek Medical Attention
The first step following any serious blow or injury to the head is to see a doctor. In some cases, the symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and easily overlooked, but bleeding and blood clots in the brain can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. A doctor can perform a CT scan and other tests on your loved one to determine the extent of the injury and recommend steps to facilitate recovery.
If your loved one experiences the following symptoms following a head injury, he or she should head to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible:
- Numbness, weakness, or decreased coordination
- Slurred speech
- Continued nausea and vomiting
- A headache that worsens and doesn’t resolve
- Convulsions
- Unequally sized pupils
Aging adults can significantly reduce their risk of fall-related injuries such as concussions by receiving assistance from professional caregivers. Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need Respite Care, Milwaukee families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
2. Encourage Plenty of Rest
Your loved one will need to significantly restrict his or her physical activity for the first few days following a concussion, which includes avoiding unnecessary physical activity and getting as much rest as possible. It’s also important to limit cognitive stimulation, including social visits, television, and reading. Activities requiring detailed attention can exacerbate concussion symptoms and even lengthen the recovery time. Your loved one should also try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to speed up the healing process.
After a concussion, your loved one should avoid driving without a doctor’s clearance because his or her reaction time behind the wheel will likely be slower. It’s also a good idea to avoid airline travel while recovering from a concussion because the pressure and altitude changes can exacerbate the symptoms.
Seniors with concussions may need assistance with everyday activities while they recover. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Milwaukee, a leading provider of Senior Care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Avoid Medications
Immediately following a concussion, it’s important to avoid taking over-the-counter or prescription medications without a doctor’s approval. Certain medications may slow recovery or even cause further injury. For instance, aspirin and prescription blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.
If your loved one has experienced a head injury, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. Milwaukee families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
