Tips for Helping Your Parent Cope with IBS

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Irritable bowel syndrome can be a life-changing condition. The symptoms and challenges that can come from this condition can leave your parents feeling overwhelmed and as though they are no longer able to enjoy the active lifestyle that they would like to. They may also experience emotional effects of the diagnosis that can diminish their quality of life.

As their family caregiver, it is important that you help your parents cope with their IBS so they can protect their health, avoid further complications, and preserve their quality of life as they age in place.

Use these tips to help your parent cope with IBS:

  • Home Care Services New Providence NJ - Tips for Helping Your Parent Cope with IBS

    Home Care Services New Providence NJ – Tips for Helping Your Parent Cope with IBS

    Stay in close contact with their doctor. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose IBS, so it is important to start with a diagnosis and then maintain an open and honest line of communication so that your parent can get the advice and care that they need.

  • Encouraging loved ones to remain compliant with their medications as they were prescribed. Depending on the severity of their IBS, your parent may only need to take these medications when their symptoms flare up, but they may also need to take them regularly. Make sure your parent understands when and how they should take them and follow these guidelines.
  • Encourage your parent to keep track of their symptoms so they can begin to identify triggers that may cause their symptoms to worsen. These triggers might include eating specific foods, being in stressful situations, or other factors. Once they identify these triggers, they can work toward avoiding them or at least being better prepared for the flare if it happens.
  • Be there for your parents and let them know that you understand the emotional impact that their condition can have on them. Allow them to express themselves and talk to them openly and honestly without shaming or embarrassing them. Avoid showing any negative reaction to their symptoms and provide support and compassion.
  • Help your parent find ways to ease and manage stress. While stress does not cause IBS, it can worsen the symptoms.

If your aging parent has been suffering from increased challenges and needs, your own schedule or abilities have changed and you are no longer able to give them the level of care at that you feel they need and deserve, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to start home care services for them. The highly personalized services of an in-home senior care services provider are designed to specifically address your aging parents challenges and needs while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible and to live a lifestyle that is active, engaged, and fulfilling.

These services can include transportation, companionship, meal preparation, assistance with personal care needs such as toileting and bathing, help with housekeeping tasks around the home, medication reminders to help them remain compliant, and more. As their family caregiver, that can help you feel more confident and secure that your loved one will have everything that they need to live their highest quality of life throughout their later years.

Source: https://www.aboutibs.org/

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Services in New Providence NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP