Many people use the term “common cold” to describe feeling unwell with mild symptoms. The common cold is exactly that—common. With over 200 viruses that can cause it, most adults catch a cold 2-3 times a year. For those who may need extra support during recovery, in-home care can be a helpful solution to ensure comfort and proper attention while feeling under the weather.
Symptoms of the Common Cold
The common cold is technically an upper respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. Most colds progress through stages with different symptoms, and in-home care providers can help manage these symptoms effectively.
Stage One (From Day 1 to Day 3)
- A tickle in the throat
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- The throat feels rough or hoarse. The voice may be affected.
Stage Two (From Day 4 to Day 7)
This is the most active stage of the common cold when symptoms are at their worst, and in-home care and some TLC are especially needed.
- The eyes begin to run, as well as the nose
- Feeling fatigued
- Having body aches
- A persistent headache
- Tenderness around the nose if a lot of nose-blowing has occurred
Stage Three (From Day 8 to 10)
Your loved one will start feeling better, but the healing process may take some time. A nagging cough is often the last symptom to persist, often interrupting sleep for another week. During this recovery period, in-home care providers can provide the additional support they need, ensuring comfort and helping them regain strength in a familiar environment.
When Just a Little TLC Is Needed
Having a cold can be challenging, but for your elderly loved one, it’s usually manageable if they don’t have a weakened immune system or another underlying illness. If you live nearby, a quick visit to drop off essentials like soft tissues, chicken soup, or a heating pad for sore muscles can make a difference. However, providing extra support can be a challenge when you’re not close by.
This is where in-home care can be invaluable, offering personalized assistance to ensure your loved one feels comforted and cared for while recovering.
Here are some strategies to try when your senior loved one is experiencing cold symptoms and you don’t live nearby:
#1 Reach Out to Communities She Belongs To
If your loved one is part of a card-playing group of friends or an active member in her faith community, reach out to them to see if they can stop by and check in on how she is doing.
#2 Deliver a Little Love
From flowers to brighten her day to soup to warm her up, many items can be delivered right to her doorstep so she doesn’t need to step outside. Practical items like prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can also be delivered, helping your loved one stay home and rest as needed.
#3 Arrange for Senior Home Care Visits
In-home care providers will not only offer care while your loved one is feeling ill by heating that soup for her or filling a humidifier to moisten the dry air, but a caregiver can also help her maintain her daily home care chores when she’s not feeling well. Some services that can help your loved one rest while recovering from a cold include doing the laundry, cleaning up around the home, taking care of a pet’s needs, or just providing a comforting, friendly face to keep her company when she can’t get outside.
While it might be typical for everyone to get a cold now and again, remind your loved one that if symptoms do not improve or new ones appear, a visit to her doctor for a thorough check-up might be best.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Oconomowoc, WI, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (414) 206-2090
At Talem Home Care of Milwaukee, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Brookfield, Cudahy, Delafield, Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis and surrounding areas in Wisconsin.
Sources:
- Senior Care Tips: Is it Just a Common Cold? - March 20, 2025
- Exploring Memory Strategies for Seniors - March 7, 2025
- Combating Loneliness, Isolation, and Depression in Seniors: Choosing the Right Home Care Agency - March 7, 2025
