Mesothelioma can be one of the scariest diagnoses that your loved one ever gets. It is a rare type of cancer that develops throughout the lining of the abdomen or lungs. It takes years and years for this type of cancer to develop. However, when it does, it is debilitating and aggressive. While the prognosis is not generally good for senior citizens, when it comes to elder care, it is essential to try keeping your loved one as healthy as they can be when they have mesothelioma. There are many ways you can help them.
Exercising
It might be tough for many senior citizens to exercise, especially if they have cancer of their respiratory system. However, treatments for this type of cancer generally leave patients feeling weak and fatigued. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga may still be possible. In addition, these exercises can change the patient’s impact on life. Exercise with your loved one and help them to feel better.
Nutritional Plan
In addition to exercising, it is important that your loved one is getting the proper nutritional intake. Since they are probably losing strength and muscle mass due to their treatments, making sure they get the proper dietary needs can help to build their strength a bit. Making them meals with foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish can provide them with the energy they need, especially when they feel depleted.
Support from Caregivers
When dealing with mesothelioma, the patient is going to need as much support as they can get. Any caregivers or home care providers they have should be supporting them every single day. They should be helping and taking care of household chores, prepping meals, and assisting with personal care, as well. As a caregiver, it is also important to assure your loved one is taking their medications properly.
Keeping Positive
Positivity can breed happiness. Even those with cancer can still feel happy. It is just a matter of the mood and mindset that they are in. If their caregivers are staying positive, that makes it much easier for them to stay positive, as well.
Keep Enjoying Things
The patient who has mesothelioma is encouraged to keep enjoying the things they love in life. If getting in the car and taking a drive is something they enjoy, get them out and doing that. If they love playing board games with the family on Sunday afternoons, keep that tradition alive. The more the patient keeps doing things they enjoy, the healthier and happier they will be.
Having a loved one who has mesothelioma can be tough for everyone involved. This type of cancer can be one of the toughest and most debilitating. However, it is essential that the patient keeps healthy while they are seeking treatments for cancer. The tips above will help them to stay as healthy as possible during this tough time in their life.
Source
https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/nutrition/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mesothelioma
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.