How Gallbladder Removal Affects Digestion

Normally, bile is stored in the gallbladder and released as the body needs it for digestion. Once the gallbladder is gone, the liver still makes the same amount of bile. However, instead of going into storage, it is constantly released into the intestine.

For most people, the body eventually gets used to the change. All but about 10 percent of people who have their gallbladders removed go back to eating normally over time. But, in the first few weeks after the surgery, your aging relative may have some digestive problems, such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and frequent bowel movements.

Dietary Changes After Surgery

Making changes to the older adult’s diet after surgery can ease digestive problems. Your aging family member’s doctor will probably tell them to limit the amount of fat they eat for a while. Eating a small amount of fat may not cause any problems because a little fat is easier to digest than fat in greater quantities. Large amounts of fat may not digest quickly enough and cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

There’s no specific diet the older adult will be required to follow after the surgery, but some dietary changes that may help are:

• Consume Less Fat: Again, seniors should avoid eating fatty foods, especially a lot of fat at one time. Choose foods that have 3 grams or less of fat per serving.
• Eat More Fiber: Fiber can help bowel movements to become more normal. However, don’t increase fiber in the diet too quickly as it can cause gas and stomach cramps. Instead, add a little fiber at a time and work up to larger amounts.
• Eat Less at One Time: Instead of offering the senior three large meals per day, make them several smaller meals instead.

After surgery, your aging relative may need some help around the house in addition to changes to their diet. Elderly care can allow them to rest while they take care of things around the house, like cleaning, making meals, and doing laundry. Elderly care providers can help to plan low-fat meals that are nutritious and introduce fiber slowly. Since the senior may be unable to drive for a bit, an elderly care provider can drive them to the grocery store and to follow up doctor appointments.

Sources

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-ways-to-avoid-discomfort-after-your-gallbladder-removal/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal-diet/faq-20057813
https://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/living-without-a-gallbladder.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-gallbladder-overview

If you or an aging loved one is considering elderly care in Casa Grande, AZ, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today: 480-377-6770.

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Many aging parents are impaired by physical problems caused by illness, disease or injuries. This makes it hard for them to bend, stretch, balance and manipulate some clothing items. Looking nice and clean provides seniors with a big boost to their self-esteem. Clean underwear and clothes contribute to good hygiene as well. Family caregivers are a key part of helping their elderly parent with this important daily task.

Here are 5 tips for helping an elderly parent get dressed each day:

Keep the Wardrobe Simple

Family caregivers should take some time to go through all the clothes with the elderly person. They should get rid of things that are too small, torn, stained or otherwise not appropriate to wear. Fabric should be soft and easy to wash. Button up shirts and blouses are often easier for seniors to dress in than pullover clothes. Zippers are also convenient for those that want to do as much as the can themselves. When the closet is full of clothes that are easy to put on and comfortable, seniors will have fewer frustrations.

Communicate Frequently

Caregivers should always communicate with their elderly loved one about getting dressed. They should allow the senior to make as many of the choices as possible and do what they can for themselves. For example, the elderly person may be able to put their shirt on, but need help with pants, shoes and socks.

Follow a Routine

It will be easier for both the elderly person and the family caregiver or elder care assistant to establish a routine for getting dressed. Setting a specific time is a good start, such as right after breakfast. They can put on articles of clothing in the same order each day and take their time so that the elderly person doesn’t feel anxiety about being rushed.

Use Dressing Aides

There are numerous simple dressing aides that family caregivers and elder care assistants can implement. Many of these devices can be used by the aging adult, such as a shoe horn, button closer and sock aid. Often, caregivers and seniors don’t know what kind of helpful devices and tools are out there that will make getting dressed easier for both.

Preserve Privacy

Many seniors are sensitive about keeping their bodies private and may not feel comfortable with help in getting dressed. Caregivers can close the door and draw the blinds whenever they are going to begin helping them to dress. Family members should not unnecessarily undress their relative, but choose one area at a time to assist. Caregivers should avoid doing anything that might embarrass their aging relative and allow them to do as much as they can to promote their own independence while getting dressed.

Source:

https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dressing.asp

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Mesa, AZ, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today: 480-377-6770.

The post 5 Tips for Helping an Elderly Parent Get Dressed appeared first on SYNERGY HomeCare of Mesa.

You Can’t Teach an “Old Dog” Anything New

This is one of those old clichés that just won’t go away. The truth is that your aging adult can still learn new things, such as how to exercise safely and what she can eat to help her health to improve. She might also find that she enjoys taking classes or learning new hobbies. Learning doesn’t stop with age at all.

Memory Loss Can’t Be Slowed or Stopped

If your loved one is concerned that she’s losing her memory or even developing more severe health problems related to memory, be sure to talk to her doctor. Once testing rules out anything serious, you can go about finding real solutions. Brain games and memory-building tasks can help quite a bit. Like any muscle, if it’s not worked out, the brain can stop working as well.

Aging Means Constant Health Problems

Just because your family member is getting older, that doesn’t mean that she has to cope with worsening health or even severe disability. If she’s not feeling well, she shouldn’t simply ignore that because “she’s getting older.” Your elderly family member can still experience good health, but she may need to pay better attention to it.

Everyone Else Is Busy with Their Own Lives

While it’s true that other family members are often dealing with their own issues and lives, that doesn’t mean that your aging adult is on her own completely. Between elder care providers and what help you can provide as her primary caregiver, you can help to meet your elderly family member’s emotional and other needs.

Your elderly family member doesn’t have to age in a way that’s harmful for her. She can continue to have new, fun experiences and take steps to keep herself healthier now.

If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Apache Junction, AZ, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today: 480-377-6770.

The post Do You or Your Aging Adult Believe Some of These Harmful Myths about Aging? appeared first on SYNERGY HomeCare of Mesa.