Are You Caring for an Elderly Parent?

Barbara Braithwaite, Safe Swallowing Team • June 21, 2020

Are You Caring for an Elderly Parent?

In an age where many of us work well towards and even past the previously accepted retirement age, the pressure to be and do everything for everyone in our family, seems to grow with every day. Many of us are sandwiched between two generations of caring for our ageing parents and looking after our grandchildren. Add to that the likely scenario of also working full or part time and we wonder how it can be possible to provide the best care and support all round, whilst ensuring we maintain an even keel for ourselves.

Of course, we want to ensure our parents age safely and are surrounded by the love and very best care we can offer. This can place an enormous additional strain on us. Sometimes we are simply unsure of what is ‘normal’ in the ageing process and what we should be concerned about.

I’ve seen many people who are being cared for both in and out of their homes, coughing on their meals or drinks. The most common response from well-meaning relatives is ‘Oh, that’s ok, they always cough at mealtimes.’

Please trust me, it’s not ok.

Coughing is one of the signs that food or drink is heading towards the lungs, not the stomach. Food or drink in the lungs, causing germs to fester there, can lead to pneumonia causing immense pain when breathing, hospitalisation, even death, in the elderly.

Knowing all the signs to look for to ensure your loved one is swallowing safely is vital to their care. Take the Safe Swallowing Course. For a similar cost of a packet of cigarettes, you can ensure you know what to look for to keep our loved one safe. Click on Take the Course

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