Age brings about many changes, but one change that seniors might not be prepared for is a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, widespread pain, and other symptoms. Its impact can be quite challenging for seniors, especially if they’re dealing with other medical conditions at the same time.
However, with the support of home care services, they can begin to understand its effect on their health and well-being and take steps to minimize the impact as much as possible.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
The musculoskeletal system is the primary target of the complicated disorder known as fibromyalgia. Genetics, diseases, and physical or psychological trauma are among the variables that may contribute to its development, even if its precise cause is yet unknown.
Beyond pain, seniors with fibromyalgia frequently experience a wide range of symptoms, such as exhaustion, sleep issues, cognitive impairments (commonly referred to as “fibro fog”), and mood disorders like worry and despair.
How Does Fibromyalgia Affect Seniors?
Fibromyalgia can seriously interfere with everyday activities and jeopardize a senior’s general health. As mentioned, this is particularly true if they are already dealing with additional health problems, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease.
Fibromyalgia compounds these conditions by increasing pain and exhaustion and decreasing mobility and independence. Easy tasks like getting out of bed, preparing food, or participating in social events can become difficult undertakings, resulting in depression and loneliness.
This is where home care services come in, helping seniors with these tasks and providing much-needed emotional support.
Management Complications
Managing fibromyalgia can become more difficult when illness interacts with age-related changes. Reduced muscular mass and strength in seniors can make pain and exhaustion worse. Modifications in metabolism and medication interactions may also have an impact on the severity of symptoms and the efficacy of treatment.
Because of this, treating fibromyalgia in seniors calls for a comprehensive strategy that takes into account their particular medical background, lifestyle choices, and changing demands.
What Tools Can Seniors Use to Lessen Fibromyalgia’s Impact?
While fibromyalgia presents many difficulties for seniors, there are coping mechanisms and tools that home care providers can teach them to possibly lessen its effects and improve their quality of life:
- Education and Self-Management: Seniors who are better informed about fibromyalgia may be able to take a more active role in managing their illness. Acquiring skills such as learning how to better pace out their activities, manage their stress, and practice relaxation can all be helpful.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Seniors with fibromyalgia can receive comprehensive assistance through home care and collaborative care, including healthcare professionals from several disciplines, including rheumatology, pain management, physical therapy, and psychiatry. Medications, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and alternative therapies like massage or acupuncture may all be included in customized treatment regimens.
- Lifestyle Changes: Home care services can lessen seniors’ symptoms and enhance their general well-being by encouraging them to embrace healthy lifestyle practices, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and stress management. Tai chi, swimming, and walking are mild exercises that can increase strength and mobility without worsening pain.
- Social Support: Retaining social ties can help lessen the despair and feelings of loneliness that are frequently linked to fibromyalgia. Additionally, seniors will get a sense of fulfillment and purpose when they can participate in activities or enjoy their hobbies.
Fibromyalgia can be challenging for seniors, but with the help of home care providers, they can learn to manage its impact and improve their overall well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Hartford, CT, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Hartford, CT, today. Call (860) 969-3134
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Hartford, CT, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Hartford, Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Cromwell, East Hartford, Farmington, Glastonbury, Kensington, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Wethersfield, Windsor and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
Sources:
- https://www.homecareassistancearlingtontx.com/how-to-treat-fibromyalgia-in-older-adults
- https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/understanding-fibromyalgia-and-the-elderly
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780
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