Lots of people get headaches. They can happen at any age and in any person, including your aging relative. They’re no fun, for certain, and they can really ruin the older adult’s day. While it seems like the solution is simple, just take an over-the-counter painkiller, with seniors it isn’t always that easy. Some older adults cannot take painkillers because of medications they are on or because they might make certain conditions worse. Luckily, there are other ways to ease headache pain, like the home remedies described below.
Have Some Water
It’s possible the older adult hasn’t had enough to drink that day. Age related changes cause them to not feel thirst as keenly as younger people do. So, they may not even recognize that they need a drink. Research shows that dehydration can bring on a tension headache or even a migraine. If dehydration is the cause of the headache, drinking some water should clear it up within 30 minutes to three hours.
Use Heat or Cold
Depending on the kind of headache the older adult is experiencing, either a hot or cold pack may help. Tension headaches can be eased with a hot back placed on the back of the head and neck because it helps to relax the muscles. If the headache is sinus related, a warm cloth held on the area that hurts will help. A warm shower might also be effective. Migraine headaches may respond to a cold pack on the forehead or a cold shower.
Have a Little Caffeine
When a headache first starts, having a beverage with some caffeine in it, such as a cup of coffee or some tea, might soothe the pain. However, seniors should avoid drinking too much caffeine since withdrawal from it can cause headaches, too. In addition, they should avoid drinking caffeine too close to bedtime because it may keep them awake.
Get Some Sleep
A lack of sleep can cause headaches, so it’s important for your aging relative to get enough sleep. Taking a nap when a headache comes on may help to ease the pain, allowing the senior to wake up feeling refreshed and pain free.
When your aging relative gets a headache, an elderly care provider can help them to relieve the pain. An elderly care provider can prepare a hot or cold pack for the senior or assist them to take a shower. Elderly care providers can also bring a glass of water or a cup of coffee or tea. Or, if the senior needs a nap, the elderly care provider can let them rest while the provider takes care of things around the house, like answering phone calls so they don’t wake the older adult.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/headache-remedies
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/5-ways-to-get-rid-of-headache#1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323992.php
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN BUCKEYE, AZ, CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY (623) 748-3301.