Digestive problems are common among aging adults, and there are many cases where problems can become severe enough to interfere with a senior’s quality of life. Whether a person has a chronic gastrointestinal disorder such as Crohn’s disease or an occasional bout of constipation, the following tips can be used to ease discomfort from digestive distress.
Avoid Known Triggers
Digestive problems can often be attributed to known triggers that cause a person to become constipated or have diarrhea. While the specific trigger may vary according to the individual’s body, coffee, dairy products, and greasy foods are the most common culprits behind digestive pain and discomfort. Seniors who are unable to tolerate certain foods should make sure family caregivers and other support providers are aware of their special dietary needs. If your aging parent needs assistance with preparing balanced and nutritious meals, a trained professional caregiver can come to the home and assist with grocery shopping, cooking, light housekeeping, and more.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Eat a Balanced Diet
As a person ages, the digestive system slows down, which can contribute to constipation. To avoid constipation, seniors should eat a fiber-rich diet that adds bulk to the stool while keeping everything moving through the digestive system. However, it’s important to note that too much fiber can contribute to gas and bloating. Therefore, it’s best to start slowly and gradually add more fiber as the body adjusts to the changes. Those who are unable to eat specific foods due to their digestive disorders may also need to seek alternative ways to get proper nutrition, such as with vitamin supplements or fortified shakes.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help maintaining his or her health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Waterloo, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Manage Stress
Many people get so caught up in focusing on eating right and exercising that they forget how their emotions can play a role in their digestive health. Too much stress and emotional upset can lead to problems such as stomach pain and diarrhea. Seniors who notice their emotions contributing to increased digestive problems can also benefit from finding ways to relax. Spending time with friends and family, journaling, and meditating can all relax the mind while also promoting better digestive health.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Waterloo seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (519) 954-2111 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.