Over 34 million Americans smoke. Many of them smoke each day. Almost half a million Americans die from smoking-related conditions each year. Your mom is ready to quit smoking, but she’s going to need a lot of support. How can you best support your mom as she starts her journey to stop smoking for good?

Be Ready to Listen Without Judgment

Your mom is going to need someone who will listen to her frustrations, fears, and concerns. You have to listen without being judgmental. Let her talk it out and help her work through whether it’s a valid concern or not.

If she does have issues that you think are valid, figure out ways to resolve them. She may need to talk to her doctor about a prescription or over-the-counter medication to help. She may need smoking cessation support groups to help her through the tough cravings.

Talk to a Doctor About Cessation Products

Talk to your mom’s doctor about smoking cessation products. Nicotine patches are one option. Nicotine gum is another popular option. If they’re not strong enough, her doctor may prescribe medications that help reduce the pleasure the brain feels while smoking.

Keep Substitutions On Hand

Nicotine gum and patches may help with the cravings, but she’ll need to reduce her reliance on those over time. That’s where substitutions come in.

Make sure that your mom is supported with substitutions for a cigarette. Hard candies or lollipops are one idea. Celery and carrot sticks also help. Keep her hands occupied with items like fidget spinners or worry stones.

Change Her Routine

Go over your mom’s usual routine. If it was her habit that she’d read her morning paper with a cup of coffee and her first cigarette of the day, she’ll want to have a substitution ready. Have a lollipop nearby while she has that cup of coffee. A nicotine patch or gum may also work.

Arrange Companionship Services

When your work keeps you from spending time with your mom during the day, what measures are in place to make sure she had the companionship services she needs? Home care services can arrange to have caregivers at your mom’s house on the schedule you set up.

With companionship services, she has someone to talk to. She has someone to support her during a nicotine craving. Caregivers can walk with her, play games, or help her with a new hobby. Make arrangements for home care visits by calling an agency.

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 Elder Care in Oakwood, 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.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/

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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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