Caregiver Key Biscayne FL
Between 2.5 and 3 million people throughout the United States are currently living with epilepsy. This condition will impact approximately 1 in 26 people will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. This accounts for around 1 percent of the total population of the United States. Though this condition can and does develop at any age, it is more likely to develop during childhood or older adulthood.
As a family caregiver this means that you should be aware of the condition and what you can do to give your senior the level of care that they deserve if this condition does develop in their later years. November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. This is the ideal opportunity for you to learn more about this condition and how you can care for your senior as they age in place.
Use these tips to care for an elderly adult who is coping with epilepsy:
• Know their kind of epilepsy. While seizures are the primary characteristic of epilepsy, there is not just one type of episode. Understanding the type that your parent experiences will help you to recognize when they are happening or might happen and what you can do to help them get through it. This can be especially valuable for helping them to make good choices about the activities that they participate in.
• Encourage compliance. Approximately 60 percent of people who are diagnosed with epilepsy will respond well to the medications and treatments prescribed to them by their doctor. Give reminders to your aging parent to ensure that they take their medications when and how they are supposed to in order to ensure the most benefit.
• Protect them against head injury. Head injuries are a leading risk factor for epilepsy. Experiencing another injury could worsen the condition or trigger a seizure. Even very mild seizures can be extremely dangerous to your aging parent if they are not managed properly when they occur. Take steps to fully protect your aging parent against head injury. This includes insisting that they wear their seat belt when they are in the car and a helmet when engaging in activities that could be risky, such as bicycling.
If your aging loved one has been suffering from epilepsy, particularly if they are also dealing with other health complications or concerns, as a caregiver now may be the ideal time for you to start considering starting elder care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule that is right for your senior, their individual needs and challenges, and the care efforts that you put forth for them. This means that they are able to live a quality of life that is fulfilling and enjoyable while also keeping them as independent and active as possible.
When it comes to helping them deal with their epilepsy, this care provider can give your aging parent physical support and encouragement, as well as meaningful reminders to help them stay compliant with any guidelines or prescriptions set forth by their doctor.
Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/epilepsy/facts-statistics-infographic#5
