Many people end up with the common cold when the seasons change, and the weather gets cooler. However, the common cold can be much more dangerous for seniors. People over 65 often have weaker immune systems, so when they get a cold, their symptoms can be worse. The senior home care team and loved ones can help seniors get better and monitor them to ensure they don’t have more than a cold following a few tips.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Recovery
Before talking about the tips needed for successful recovery, it’s a good idea to explore how seniors can avoid getting the cold in the first place. The first thing to ensure is that they have a healthy diet, including a range of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods give seniors important nutrients that help their immune system work better. This is something the senior home care team can assist with by helping seniors create a healthy meal plan, prep their foods, and even shop or cook for them.
Seniors also need to stay hydrated. Encouraging them to drink water and herbal teas or broths to keep their bodies hydrated and soothe their sore throats is a vital way that loved ones and the support team can help. Additionally, consistent sleep helps keep seniors’ immune systems strong. This can be better accomplished by ensuring their bedroom is comfortable and welcoming. Now that you know how to help them avoid the cold, consider the following ways to help them heal quickly if they do get a cold.
Medications and Pain Relief: Seniors may need to take medicine to ease the signs of a cold. Decongestants, antihistamines, and pain medicines that they can buy without a prescription can help. But it’s very important to follow the steps below before they take the medication.
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to ensure they don’t interact with their current prescriptions.
- Follow the directions for dosage.
Pay Attention to Increased Symptoms
It’s possible for what seems like a cold to be something more serious, especially for older people. The senior home care team can keep an eye out for these signs that seniors should see a doctor.
- A fever that won’t go away, especially one that is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, could be a sign of a more serious infection.
- A strong, chronic cough that makes it hard to breathe or lasts for more than a few weeks should be checked out by a doctor.
- Breathing issues or serious chest pain indicate the need to see a doctor right away.
- Sudden, confused mental state, which may point to an issue with the lungs.
Because their immune systems aren’t as strong, seniors may find it hard to get better from the typical cold. To get them through this, it’s important to focus on boosting their immune system, making sure they get enough rest and water, and giving them the right medicine to ease their symptoms. But always keep an eye out for any signs that their illness might be more than just a cold. By following these tips, the senior home care team and loved ones can make sure that seniors stay safe throughout the cold season.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Home Care in Islip, NY, please contact the caring staff at Help at Home today! Call (631) 859-3435
Help at Home is a top provider of home care services in Islip, Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Hempstead & Oyster Bay, and surrounding areas on Long Island & NYC. We serve Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
Whether you or a loved one is recuperating from an illness or a senior requiring care, we can help. Help at Home is committed to providing quality home care at affordable rates. Helping a patient remain in the comfort and security of their home is our goal. We are the best alternative to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Help at Home caregivers
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