April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. There are a number of ways that our home health care services can be helpful in managing the quality of life of seniors with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
How Home Health Care Can Help Seniors with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
While there is no cure for IBS the focus is on managing the symptoms. As a result of managing the symptoms your quality of life is better. We have the ability to offer both caregiving and therapy providing that special touch that makes us stand out above the competition.
IBS Symptoms & Facts
First of all it’s important to fully understand irritable bowel syndrome. Managing symptoms is the best way to find quality of life. IBS is often diagnosed in younger adults (commonly in their 30’s). Seniors with irritable bowel syndrome have often been dealing with the symptoms for decades.
- Definition – IBS can be associated with chronic diarrhea (IBS-D) or constipation (IBS-C). This article on Healthline gives a concise definition and explanation of the disease.
- Triggers – It’s especially relevant to note the foods that cause havoc with your body. There are some foods that are commonly known to trigger IBS. Not everyone will experience the same trigger foods.
- Food Journal – Most doctors suggest you keep a food journal to help you determine triggers.
- Treatment – While there is no cure for IBS there are ways to help manage the symptoms. Medical options include a number of pharmaceuticals that your doctor may order.
- Other Diseases Associated – Consequently, there are other diseases & chronic conditions associated with having IBS. Especially relevant are the statistics that show 60% of IBS patients are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia too. Along with chronic pain, problems with being socially active can cause depression as well. Most social functions focus on gathering with food & drink; causing fear for anyone with IBS.
5 Ways Home Health Care Can Help Seniors with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Stress – Stress is known to aggravate the symptoms of IBS. Our team can offer a number of stress reducing services to help. Let our homemaker services lessen the everyday burden of keeping house, laundry and other chores. You spend your time enjoying what you like doing and your daily chores are complete.
- Diet – One of the most noteworthy diets known to be helpful with IBS is the Low FODMAP Diet approach. Hence why our homemaker and meal preparation services are exceptionally helpful for following a special diet.
- Associated Health Problems – One noteworthy fact is that there are a number of other health problems associated with IBS. Joint pain & swelling is common, while Fibromyalgia is especially prominent. Our aides can help you monitor any changes in your health. We offer medicine reminders to help ensure you don’t miss any medication.
- Physical Therapy – We offer physical therapy at home. Exercise helps reduce pain associated with IBS & Fibro. Helpful in relieving constipation, our PT’s will help you safely stay in motion. In addition to typical physical therapy to encourage activity you may find that pelvic floor exercises are helpful too.
- Therapy Support – Our home health aides offer supportive services at home to help you continue “your homework” in between therapy sessions. At home therapy support helps with compliance between therapy visits.
Therapy for IBS
Therapy for IBS is rather specific. Consequently, while we may not offer the specific type of specialized therapy you’ve been prescribed, we will assist you at home with exercises your therapist is having you doing on your own in between sessions.
- Physical Therapy – First of all our in home physical therapy helps reduce symptoms of pain. PT addresses pain while offering you a safer option to become more active and exercise too. Exercise is an excellent way to manage your IBS symptoms (especially IBS-C).
- Massage Therapy – Probably one of the most helpful and effective of therapies available; massage therapists for IBS are certified for techniques specific to helping manage IBS symptoms. In addition to helping relieve body stress with standard massage, the techniques specific to IBS are exceptionally helpful for relief of bloating, abdominal pain, gas, & constipation.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – It’s important to understand that this type of therapy focuses on the way you react to and think about your IBS. Everyone reacts differently to how they handle their disease, hence why cognitive behavioral therapy is not for everyone. This article explains CBT.
Seniors with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Can Take Control with Our Help
While there is no cure for IBS there is hope in managing your symptoms. Contact us to discuss the ideas and suggestions we’ve mentioned in this article.
Don’t let IBS rule your life anymore. You now have the knowledge that shows you how home health care can help seniors with irritable bowel syndrome and we’re ready to help.
Photo by Mishio 
