Elder Care in Columbia SC

As the fall weather sweeps in and days and nights get cooler, many people experience an uncomfortable cough. While it may be associated with a viral infection or other illness, it could also simply be irritation or a reaction to the allergens that are common during this time. Having a persistent cough can be extremely unpleasant for your aging loved one, and can keep them from getting the rest that they need. Depending on the severity of the cough it can also cause them to suffer pulls in their muscles, straining, and other painful effects. Finding ways to help them to soothe this cough can protect your parent from the consequences of the cough and help them to enjoy this season more.

You are likely to get many recommendations for ways that you can reduce a cough, but one that you may hear frequently is to give them honey. This is a recommendation that has been used for many generations, but is there any truth to it? According to studies, there is. Research has shown that consuming honey can reduce a cough as effectively as an over-the-counter cough suppressant medication. Taking honey is shown to help people cough less, cough less severely, and rest better when they are dealing with a persistent cough.

It is important to note that honey should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment if your parent is dealing with a serious illness. Be sure to bring them to the doctor as soon as possible if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Cough that has persisted for more than two weeks
• Cough that has been progressively worsening over a period of several days
• Wheezing with coughing
• Difficulty breathing with coughing
• Fever, particularly if it persists for 48 hours or more, or does not respond to normal management techniques such as taking a fever reducer or using a cool compress

Studies were performed by giving two teaspoons of honey directly, but there are many other ways for your parent to consume honey to help them experience relief from the cough. Try adding honey to a cup of hot tea so that your parent can enjoy the soothing feeling of drinking the hot fluid as well as the lingering impact of the honey.

Starting elder care for your aging parent is a fantastic way to encourage your aging loved one to live a healthier, more comfortable, and more fulfilling quality of life as they age in place. Through a personalized approach to care, support, encouragement, and assistance, this elderly home care services provider can guide your loved one through making healthy lifestyle choices so that they are better able to resist infections and illnesses, and fight them off if they do contract them. This can include helping them to make better food choices, encouraging them to get more active, helping them to achieve and maintain a healthy sleep pattern, and designing and maintaining an aggressive germ control approach to keep them protected.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elder care in Columbia, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Source:  http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20120806/mom-was-right-honey-can-calm-cough#1

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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