Chronic pain affects people of all ages, but it can be a particularly difficult problem for seniors whose bodies have incurred many years of damage from worn cartilage and torn ligaments. Although there are both prescription and over-the-counter medications available for chronic pain, some seniors may prefer to supplement those treatments with more natural options. Here are a few of the more common holistic solutions for chronic pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique that can naturally relieve some of the chronic pain your senior loved one experiences. In terms of cost, it can be an affordable alternative to surgery and still provide considerable pain relief. Acupuncture works by activating nerve signals to the brain with needles, stimulating the production of endorphins that provide natural pain relief.
A home caregiver can help your loved one with daily tasks that are challenging because of aches and pains. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Omega-3 Fish Oil with EPA & DHA
If your loved one is experiencing substantial pain, have him or her take a fish oil supplement with two to four grams of both EPA and DHA each day. This type of fat may naturally reduce inflammation throughout the body and ease pain.
Hypnotherapy
Seniors with chronic pain may also benefit from hypnotherapy. A licensed hypnotherapist can guide your loved one’s mind to an extremely focused mental state while calming the body into relaxation. While in this state, the part of the brain that processes pain is incapacitated, which allows your loved one to feel relief.
Even if pain makes it difficult to handle the tasks of daily living, seniors can continue to age in place with assistance from a trained caregiver. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care. Edmonton Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Arnica Gel
If your loved one has sore muscles or chronic arthritis pain, have him or her rub some arnica gel on any painful areas. A study of 204 people with arthritis in their hands found that when they used arnica gel for 21 days, it was as effective as taking ibuprofen for their pain.
Relaxation Therapy
Stress can intensify the pain your loved one is feeling. A range of relaxation techniques, including meditation and guided imagery, can ease the negative effects of stress and reduce the pain.
Chronic pain can make it challenging for aging adults to live at home independently without assistance. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at (780) 490-7337.