Approximately 1 million people in the United States are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). People with CFS experience severe fatigue without an identifiable underlying cause. Sometimes the fatigue gets worse when the person does something physical or an activity that involves a lot of thinking. However, it doesn’t get better when they rest. There are treatments that help to manage the symptoms, but there is no cure.
The Effects of CFS
Living with CFS is difficult because its symptoms can have a significant impact on your aging relative’s ability to do daily activities. In addition to the extreme fatigue that can make them feel like doing little more than sleeping or sitting, CFS has other difficult symptoms, including:
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Headaches.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and neck.
- Sore throat.
- Pain in the muscles or joints.
The symptoms of CFS can make it hard to shower, cook dinner, clean the house, or do laundry. It can also make them unable to socialize with friends and family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disorder can cause significant disability and lead to sufferers becoming housebound.
How Elder Care Can Help Manage CFS
Elder care can make the lives of older adults with CFS easier and more enjoyable. Some of the things an elder care provider can do for your aging relative are:
- Cleaning: Elder care providers can perform light housekeeping services, like vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and making beds. Living in a house that is tidy and pleasant can help to lift the older adult’s spirits.
- Meal Preparation: Elder care providers can take care of planning and preparing healthy meals. A balanced diet can help older adults with CFS to feel better by providing them all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong. Elder care providers can even drive the senior to the grocery store and help them to shop.
- Medication Reminders: Because of the memory problems that can occur with CFS, your aging relative may forget to take medications. An elder care provider can remind them when it is time for medicine.
- Basic Pet Care: Pets are a major source of comfort to people with chronic diseases, but CFS can make it hard to do things like take a dog outside, clean a litter box, or even feed and water pets. An elder care provider can assist with basic pet care duties, ensuring both pets and people stay happy.
By handling household tasks, elder care lets CFS sufferers conserve their energy for the things they enjoy. With an elder care provider, your loved one can spend more time on the things they enjoy, like visiting with friends and relatives.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.