Home Care Tips for Sick Family Caregivers
Allergy season is here and making many people miserable. Almost 27% of U.S. adults experience seasonal allergies, and for some, the symptoms can be debilitating. Sinus congestion is one of the leading symptoms of seasonal allergies, but allergies can also cause migraines, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irritability.
As a family caregiver, you’re having a hard time keeping up with your mom’s care. The allergy medications that work best make you incredibly drowsy, so what can you do to take care of yourself and her at the same time?
Slow Down
If you’re taking allergy medications and find they make you extra tired, listen to your body. Slow down and take it easy for a few days. It’s okay to have a lazy day watching movies or sitting in your favorite chair with some books you’ve been wanting to read.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drink water to keep your mucus from being excessively thick. You want it to keep flowing and flushing out pollen and irritants. This lowers the risk of a sinus infection. Men should aim for about three liters of water each day, while women want to get about two liters. The more active you are, the more fluids you need to replace the water you’re losing to sweat.
If you can’t stand more water, eat fruits and vegetables that are higher in water content. Tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, oranges, grapes, and melon are just a few of the options to rely on.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Give your body the fuel it needs to help fight off the inflammation that pollen and other allergens are causing. Eat plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, especially seafood, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and high-fat/high-sugar treats.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are taking over-the-counter allergy medications and they’re not helping, call your doctor. There may be a prescription allergy medication that works better. Your doctor may have other tips that help you get through allergy season with less discomfort.
Close Your Windows
You may love having the windows open after a long winter, but you’re letting pollen inside. Keep windows shut and run an air purifier to keep allergen levels as low as possible. Try to identify the pollen that gets to you the most; it might be pine pollen or the pollen from fuzzies on a poplar tree. Once you know which is the worst, you’ll know when you can open windows back up.
Set-Up Respite Care Visits
While you take care of yourself, arrange home care aides for respite care visits. A home care aide can spend time with your mom, helping her with the same activities you do. When you’re feeling better and ready to help her again, you’ll step right back into your role as a family caregiver.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Deerfield, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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