Did you know that March is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome month? Chronic fatigue syndrome can be defined in many ways. Basically, it is a chronic feeling of exhaustion and fatigue. Most people feeling fatigued from time to time. However, if someone has this condition, they are can’t get rid of this feeling. With this being said, as a family caregiver, there are some things that you may need to know if your elderly loved one has chronic fatigue syndrome.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are many different reasons why someone might have chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the reasons why your elderly loved one might have this condition include the following:

• Medical conditions (diabetes, cancer, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, liver and kidney disease – all of these conditions can make someone feel fatigued all the time)
• Side effects from prescription medications (antidepressants, pain medications, antihistamines, and nausea medications can cause fatigue)
• Sleep disorders (sleep apnea and other types of sleep issues can cause someone to feel tired all the time)
• Infections
• Anemia
• Grief
• Emotional issues (anxiety and depression are the most common)
• Feeling like they have no control over their own life
• Personal or financial stressors
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits (not exercising, eating unhealthy, smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.)

These are some of the most common reasons for chronic fatigue syndrome. If your elderly loved one’s doctor has helped to determine what is causing your elderly loved one’s chronic fatigue syndrome, that will make it easier to help them.

Tips for Helping Your Elderly Loved One with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are numerous tips that you and senior care providers can use to help your elderly loved one if they have chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the ways that you can help them include the following:

• Keep a log about how your elderly loved one is feeling (what is happening before and during the times they are fatigued – do the same for when they have energy)
• Implement more physical activities into your elderly loved one’s daily schedule (this can help to give them energy)
• Slowly change their sleeping habits (eliminating naps over 30 minutes along with waking up and going to bed at the same times every day)
• Quit smoking and quit drinking alcohol (if they are a smoker or drinker)
• Having them talk to a therapist

These are some of the ways that you and senior care providers can help your elderly loved one to manage their chronic fatigue syndrome.

Conclusion

Chronic fatigue syndrome can be tough on your elderly loved one. You know how it feels when you are tired and exhausted. Just imagine feeling that way practically all the time. Now you know more about what causes this condition and what you can do to help. From here, you can make a plan for helping your elderly loved one to manage their condition and put that plan into action.

Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
https://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/tips-living-with-chronic-fatigue

If you are considering senior care in Memorial, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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