When seniors are dealing with chronic pain, it is essential to get them the assistance and support that empowers them to live full and independent lives as possible. For many older adults, in-home care is a flexible, affordable, and welcome option for getting the help they need whenever they need it – at home.

Whether part-time or full-time, an in-home companion or caregiver provides seniors with essential care to help minimize and manage the effects of chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a common problem facing seniors. The NIH reports that 50 percent of seniors living independently and 75-85 percent of those in care facilities (nursing homes or assisted living) suffer from chronic pain.

For seniors, chronic pain stems from different root causes, including

  • Natural wear and tear of muscles, joints, and nerves
  • Sensations due to one or more underlying chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases
  • Invisible pain with no identifiable root cause

Unfortunately, chronic pain may cause Palos Verdes seniors to stop engaging in hobbies and activities they previously enjoyed, leading to isolation from their community, friends, or family.

In-Home Caregiving is a Welcome Option for Palos Verdes Seniors

Many Palos Verdes seniors living with chronic pain find it challenging to care for themselves, properly manage their health, and handle their daily affairs. To make matters worse, many fail to report their pain for one of several reasons, including:

  • Fear it will lead to expensive tests
  • Fear of additional medications
  • They don’t want to burden their caregivers or loved ones
  • Conditions like dementia or vision or hearing loss can limit communication
  • Fear of admission to a care facility

A Peaceful Way Home Care in-home care workers can help your elderly loved one improve pain management and age in place through the following services:

1. Medication and Exercise Reminders

Our in-home caregivers remind your aging loved ones to take their medication and assist them in following the doctor’s prescription for proper pain management. They also help clients perform appropriate and recommended exercises and supervise them to prevent injury.

2. Watching for Symptoms and Side Effects

Pain medication can have unexpected side effects, and an in-home caregiver can help identify the symptoms and inform your loved one’s medical care team. In-home caregivers will also watch out for worsening symptoms like reduced mobility and stability and suggest additional safety measures to take.

3. Emotional Support

Senior in-home care offers much-needed emotional support, especially during safer-at-home and isolation safety measures against COVID-19. Due to the risk of severe COVID-19 complications, safety protocols advise isolation from loved ones for protection. Home companion services may help alleviate loneliness and depression.

4. Socialization

Home companion services also help the elderly begin socializing and maintain a connection with their loved ones and local communities. It’s especially essential for Palos Verdes seniors homebound due to chronic pain or those with limited mobility.

5. Help around the Home

In-home caregivers assist with household management, for example, housekeeping duties, running errands, cleaning, and meal preparation. Caregivers also help with personal care tasks (such as transferring, dressing, and toileting) for seniors with impaired mobility.

6. Scheduling and Transportation Assistance

Caregivers help with scheduling and keeping track of your aging loved one’s appointments. Transportation assistance can include assisting seniors in running errands, shopping, or going to a flat area perfect for walking. Palos Verdes streets and neighborhoods are hilly and not suitable for elderly regular exercise so the caregiver can drive to flat areas such as the Palos Verdes High school grounds.

7. Respite Care

Caregiving is a rewarding but exhausting experience, so many caregivers appreciate respite care to help take time off for themselves. Some me-time can also reduce strained family relationships.

If your elderly loved one struggles with chronic pain but insists on aging in place, then A Peaceful Way Home Care in Palos Verdes can help. Contact us today for queries, schedule a free in-home assessment, or speak to one of our coordinators.