Each year throughout the world, immunizations help to prevent millions of lives. This is one of the most important things that you can do to protect your parent’s health and help them to live a healthier and safer quality of life as they age in place. Just as they can be with children, however, immunizations can be frightening for your elderly parent and they might experience some effects that you will want to manage. As a family caregiver you can make a tremendous difference in this experience for your parent by helping them to feel more prepared, understand what to expect, and manage effects that might occur.

If your parent has not had immunizations in some time, are nervous about the experience, or are suffering from dementia or another issue that might keep them from fully understanding their shots or feeling prepared for them, some ways that you can help them to feel more confident include:

• Talk about the shots. Make sure that your parent understands what type of shots that they need and why they need them. Reassure them that they are important and that they will help them to avoid the specific issues that they are designed to prevent. This can help your parent feel less nervous, especially if they are not familiar with or accustomed to vaccinations.

• Distract them. Get your parent talking before the shot. Have them look at you and discuss something interesting or that they really need to think about, such as a plan that you have for later in the day or your grocery shopping.

• Talk about pain relief. Before your parent’s appointment, talk to their doctor about pain relief options. Some doctors recommend use of over-the-counter pain relief prior to immunizations, but it is important to review this with them first so that you know that it is safe and appropriate for your parent to take them.

Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for your senior throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elderly home care services provider can be in the home with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they are with them to give them the specific care services they need while also ensuring that you remain in control of their care routine. Through a set of highly personalized services this care provider is able to help your loved one remain safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable while also pursuing a lifestyle that is as active and independent as possible. As a family caregiver, this can give you greater peace of mind knowing that your senior loved one will have everything that they need to maintain a fulfilling, engaged quality of life as they age in place. This can not only ease your caregiver stress, but can also enable you to better focus your energy and attention on the efforts that you are able to give your senior to ensure that they are as effective as possible and to support a strong, meaningful relationship.

http://articles.extension.org/pages/9367/vaccinations-for-caregivers-and-older-adults
https://www.vaccines.gov/who_and_when/seniors/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam.html
http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/immunization/en/

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Houston, TX, 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.

• Author
• Recent Posts

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

Latest posts by Donna Wrabel, LMSW (see all)

• Grief and Loss in Caring for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease - November 15, 2024
• Alzheimer’s Care: A Vital Part of Home Care Services in Sugar Land, TX - November 11, 2024
• Helping Your Parent Adjust to Senior Home Care - November 8, 2024