The Role of A Caregiver in Managing Epilepsy

Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  March 22, 2017

Caregivers Can Help Manage Epilepsy in Seniors

Managing Epilepsy in Seniors | According to the Epilepsy Foundation, “Caring for a senior with epilepsy presents different situations than caring for a child…[Also,], it is important that you know the type of seizure the person you are caring for has so that you are knowledgeable on the proper first aid for that seizure. It is also important that you understand the treatments they are receiving and are aware of the other treatment options.”

The Role of A Calgary Caregiver; Qualified Health Care Aides

In other words, if your senior loved one has epilepsy, you do not want to entrust just anybody with their care. It is important that a caregiver is knowledgeable, experienced, and ready to provide the unique supports required.

One of the greatest challenges a senior with epilepsy faces is age. As the years advance, most bodies tend to degenerate. For some, vision starts to fail, for others, it is hearing, the joints, cognition, or even the immune system, which can lead to chronic illness or disease. In younger years, epilepsy may be the only major health challenge a person faces, but in the elder years, it may be just one of many challenges a senior must contend with on a daily basis.

In addition to the physical and mental issues that come with medical challenges, medication plays a major role in the health and well-being of many seniors. For those coping with epilepsy, medication management is not just important, it is essential. Sadly, with advancing years, many seniors find that managing their medications can be overwhelming. This is not surprising, given that the average senior over 65 years of age takes 5-8 different medications. A quarter take upwards of 10. Add to this equation the very strict medication regimen required to combat epilepsy and medication management can cause extreme anxiety and stress. For many seniors, a caregiver who effectively takes over their medication management routine can literally be a lifesaver.

Seniors with epilepsy do not drive. This makes getting to and from the many doctor’s appointments, running errands, and keeping social engagements challenging, at best. To help overcome these challenges, Comfort Keepers caregivers provide local transportation services. After all, not driving should not keep a senior from enjoying their life to the fullest.

In short, a senior with epilepsy may require the same daily living supports as any other senior; however, they must ensure their caregiver has the knowledge and ability to quickly and effectively respond to an epileptic episode, oversee a potentially complex medication management routine, and be able to provide much-needed transportation services.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Managing Epilepsy in Seniors

If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

In Home Care for Calgary, AB and the surrounding areas of: Airdrie, Aldersyde, Banff, Black Diamond, Calgary, Chestermere, Cochrane, Crossfield, High River, Okotoks, Redwood Meadows and Sherwood, AB.

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