Seizures become more common during the senior years, and it is important to learn how to manage them so your loved one stays safe. While some seniors have lived with epilepsy all their lives, others may experience a new diagnosis due to chronic conditions or other health issues.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Waterloo families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Whatever the cause may be, you can help your loved one manage epilepsy and prevent seizures by using these strategies.
Provide Assistance with Medication Management
Seniors are often prescribed medications to keep seizures under control. However, seizures can generate memory lapses that make it hard to remember when it is time to take a dose. As a caregiver, you can help your loved one remember when to take medication by setting up a reminder and logging system. Alternatively, automated medication dispensers are available to help your loved one keep track of multiple pills.
Minimize the Risk of Injuries
Seniors who live independently are at great risk when they have epilepsy. For example, having a seizure while cooking or smoking can lead to house fires. Seniors can also slip and fall in the shower during a bath when having a seizure. Talk to your loved one about ways to minimize these risks such as quitting smoking and using appliances with automatic shut off options. When seizures are frequent or severe, it is also helpful to have a caregiver nearby while your loved one showers. You may also need to rearrange your loved one’s floor to decrease the risk of head injuries from falling. For example, removing furniture with sharp corners from the walking path can protect your loved one if he or she falls.
Frequent and severe seizures can indicate the onset of dementia. If your senior loved one experiences seizures every now and then, make sure to consult his or her doctor. For dementia care Waterloo, ON, families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking.
Arrange for Transportation Services
Driving eventually becomes a concern for most seniors as they advance in age. However, those who have seizures need to take additional precautions. While aging adults do not like the thought of losing their independence, seniors with epilepsy may need to turn over their keys until their seizures are under control. Caregivers can prevent seniors from feeling trapped at home by arranging for transportation services that give them opportunities to get out and socialize. This also helps seniors attend critical medical appointments without putting themselves or others in danger.
Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
There are several things that can trigger a seizure. However, it is understood that fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and the abuse of drugs or alcohol can contribute to increased seizures. Help your loved one set up a daily routine that takes care of his or her physical needs for rest and nutrition. If necessary, arrange for help to make sure your loved one does not become overwhelmed with housework and other responsibilities. By encouraging a healthy lifestyle, you can decrease the impact of epilepsy on your loved one’s wellbeing.
Socialization and social stimulation can reduce the risk of seizures and other health conditions in seniors. For seniors living in Waterloo, ON, hourly care can be a wonderful solution when they need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. If you need respite from your caregiving duties, give us a call at (519) 954-2111 today.