If your aging parent has recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, both of you might be experiencing a sense of relief. They have been struggling with symptoms that can be extremely challenging and make a negative impact on their quality of life, and as their adult child you do not want to see them struggling or suffering. Knowing that they finally have a diagnosis means that you both know what they are dealing with so you can move forward. As their family caregiver, this means making sure that they have the right treatment.
Use these tips to help your senior find the right treatment for their Crohn’s disease:
Make sure that they understand the condition and how it impacts their body. This can help them to better understand the different treatments that are available so they can be better informed while moving forward to make a decision.
Sit down with their doctor with them to discuss the different treatment options that are available. Ask as many questions as you need to and encourage your parent to ask any questions that they have so that both of you can feel confident.
Evaluate how these options would impact your parent in terms of their other health challenges and limitations. Talk to their medical team and get recommendations for the ones that would be best for them and their needs.
Reassure your parent that you are there for them and that you are going to support them in the choices that they make, as well as in helping to keep them compliant.
Starting home care can be a fantastic choice for your aging parent and for you as their family caregiver. A home care services provider can be with your parents on a fully customized schedule to ensure they always have access to the care that they need to manage their individual challenges and limitations in the way that is right for them. Through a set of highly personalized services, this home care provider can help your parent stay healthy, safe, and comfortable, and maintain a lifestyle that is as independent and fulfilling as possible as they age in place.
As a family caregiver it can be extremely reassuring to know that your parent has all of the care that they need both when you are with them and when you are not. This eases your stress and allows you to focus your time, energy, and efforts in the ways that are most meaningful and efficient. Having this care can be especially beneficial if you are in the sandwich generation caring for both your parent and your children, or if you live at a distance and are not able to be with your parent as often as you would like to be.
