When you’re a caregiver for someone with chronic health issues, life can feel a little bit drab and your senior might feel as if there’s no way out of the situation she’s facing. But little changes and adhering to the recommendations set forth by her doctor might all work better if you add some light to the proceedings.

Follow the Plan and Make Changes When Necessary

Ideally, you’ve already set up a plan for managing chronic health issues with your senior’s doctor. What you need to focus on after that is working that plan and watching for what’s working and what isn’t. When you do that, you’re able to spot where changes need to be made to the working plan in order to benefit your elderly family member much more effectively.

See if Exercise Can Be Part of the Plan

So many chronic health issues can be managed by adding exercise to the equation. This is something that may not be possible for your senior, depending on the type and severity of the health issue. But if her doctor does okay an exercise program for her, find an easy way to start working more movement into your elderly family member’s daily life.

Look at Whether Dietary Changes Might Help

Likewise, changing small things about how and when your senior eats can be incredibly helpful in managing chronic health issues. She may be finding that dairy doesn’t agree with her as well as it did in the past, so maybe finding substitutes for dairy or lactose-free versions create a huge result for her in terms of comfort and how she’s feeling.

Address Limitations Diplomatically

Lots of things change in what your elderly family member is able to do and what she has the energy to manage. Those limitations can be incredibly frustrating, and your senior may try to play them off. Make sure that you’re accommodating wherever her new limits are and that you’re doing so as diplomatically and kindly as possible.

Include Things Your Senior Loves

While you’re focusing on making life with a chronic illness better, make sure you’re doing everything you can to include whatever your senior loves. No one enjoys going through life with a list of “shoulds” or “have-to’s” constantly. Knowing that she has things to look forward to is going to be incredibly helpful for her morale.

There’s so much to juggle with a chronic illness. Work with your senior to find the solutions that make the most difference for her.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care Services in Suwanee, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in Flowery Branch, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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