While anyone can develop IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), the condition can be particularly challenging for an older person, especially if they have other health issues and require home care services. If you suspect that your loved one may have IBS, have them examined by their doctor to determine if it is the cause of their digestive problems.
IBS Symptoms
IBS is a chronic condition defined by a group of symptoms that affect a person’s digestive system. While it doesn’t damage the GI tract or lead to more serious diseases, it causes frequent discomfort in the intestines. Managing IBS often involves a combination of medical treatment and home care strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Symptoms can include:
- Excessive gas and bloating
- Abdominal pain and cramps are associated with the need to have a bowel movement.
- Bowel movement issues, such as either diarrhea or constipation
- Discomfort after eating specific foods
Caring for Your Loved One with IBS
Most doctors will recommend that your loved one develop some new, healthier habits around eating and managing stress to help him keep his symptoms under control. Your loved one might need some assistance from a home care provider if he needs to completely change his current eating habits and develop healthier life habits.
A home care provider can help him adjust his diet to meet his doctor’s recommendations by helping him purchase and prepare foods that he might not be familiar with.
Here are four lifestyle changes that your loved one can make to help him reduce the frequency and intensity of his IBS symptoms:
#1 Food Diary
Keep a food diary to help discover what foods seem to lead to the most discomfort as his body tries to process them. For some people, it’s dairy, for others it’s gluten, and still others struggle with foods that create gas, such as beans, legumes, and even carbonated beverages like soda.
Once he has an idea of what is increasing his discomfort, he can work with his home care provider to look for ways to reduce those items from his diet and supplement them with other products.
#2 Reduce Stress Levels
Increased stress often affects the gut and exacerbates the symptoms of IBS. While there are stressors your elderly loved one cannot avoid, helping him develop techniques for managing stress will help his gut be less prone to digestive issues.
Talk to your loved one about what is causing him stress and help him to find ways to reduce those stress-inducing triggers or develop stress management techniques to help him cope, such as meditation or regular exercise.
#3 Drink More Water
Water helps keep the GI tract lubricated and items flowing through it more easily. Avoid drinks with caffeine, which can trigger symptoms.
#4 Become More Active
Regular activity helps the body keep everything working and flowing properly. It builds up the immune system and keeps muscles strong, all of which can lead to better gut health.
Have a home care provider join your loved one for daily walks or provide transportation to his nearest pickleball court so he can make physical activity a regular part of his schedule.
While there is no cure for IBS, many people find that incorporating home care services and strategies, such as identifying and avoiding triggers, can significantly reduce their symptoms. This allows them to manage their condition effectively and continue enjoying all that life has to offer without interruption.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in La Mesa, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Passion for Care today. Call (858) 798-5005
A Passion for Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Point Loma, and surrounding areas.
Making the transition to a completely new industry brought the opportunity to learn and grow, which continues still today. Pat studied Gerontology in San Diego State University’s certificate program and became licensed as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), a Home Health Aide (HHA), and completed the California Certification Program for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCCFE) as a Certified Administrator. She presented workshops at Aging in America Conference four years in a row and served as Chair of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council 2019-2020 and was the education board member for several years. More recently, Pat became a Certified Senior Advisor and was a San Diego Business Journal “50 over 50 2022 Women of Influence Honoree”.
Pat and her husband Roland have lived outside San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley for over three decades. She has two children who are grown professionals and three grandchildren. Pat enjoys traveling to, and visits from, family and friends throughout the year. While at home in San Pasqual Valley, she and Roland enjoy peaceful views and exploring the surrounding valleys.
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