When seniors are battling cancer, they often deal with side effects that range from mildly unpleasant to seriously uncomfortable. Helping them to manage these issues well can take a lot of effort and energy. Being able to turn to home care services for assistance can make the task easier for everyone involved.
Encourage Sunscreen Use
Many cancer treatments can cause severe skin irritation. Sometimes these treatments can even make it difficult for seniors to be in the sun for even a few minutes at a time. Using sunscreen regularly helps to prevent burns that would make the discomfort even worse for aging adults. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-band UVA and UVB protection with a high SPF. Those are going to offer the most protection.
Implement a Skincare Plan
Skin irritation is a common side effect of cancer treatments, so it’s also important to look at a more comprehensive skincare plan. That might include not only lotions that help to relieve dry, itchy skin, but also looking at ways to alleviate bruising. Looking for ways to make corners and edges at home less likely to cause a bruise might be helpful, for instance. Home care providers can help seniors and families to determine what might make seniors feel more comfortable.
Explore Options to Accommodate Hair Loss
Hair loss is another common and anxiety-inducing side effect that cancer patients might encounter. Not every treatment for cancer causes hair loss, but a great many do. Having a plan before the hair loss happens can be a good idea. Shopping for wigs beforehand and planning whether shaving hair before it really starts shedding can be two ways to be proactive about what’s happening. Talk to seniors about how they’re feeling and what might be more empowering for them.
Put a Plan in Place to Manage Stomach Discomfort
Nausea, vomiting, and other signs of gastrointestinal upset are another common problem with cancer treatments. Oncologists are often prepared to warn of these issues and they may recommend a plan to put in place. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid greasy or spicy foods, as well as any other foods that are just unappealing or that are too heavy or rich. Smaller meals throughout the day are often a good idea. Home care providers can help seniors to eat healthy meals as often as possible while they’re undergoing their treatments.
Watch for Signs of Depression
Another common problem for senior cancer patients is unmanaged depression. There are a lot of feelings that come along with battling cancer and there are likely a lot of things seniors want to do that they’re not able to do. All of this can lead to depression and make an uncomfortable situation worse. Seniors should talk to their doctors about what they’re experiencing in order to put a plan in place to manage depression appropriately.
It’s never easy to battle cancer. Seniors who are facing this kind of battle need all the help in their corner that they can get. Home care providers can offer hands-on help that makes a difference in quality of life and comfort.
If you are considering home care in Katy, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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