Breathing Problems in Seniors

As our senior loved ones age, they may experience changes in their ability to breathe.  This can cause a decrease in energy level as well as an increase in anxiety and depression.  As a care giver, there are ways that you can help.

As the body ages, bone structure can change, causing the diaphragm to be less able to expand and contract.  These changes make it harder for a senior to take a deep breath.  Changes in the lung tissue and the nervous system can cause lung function to be less effective.  In addition, changes in the immune system make it more difficult for seniors to fight infections and the effects of smoking.

As a caregiver, how you can you help your senior loved one cope with breathing difficulties? 

• Reduce the risk of infection with proper hand washing

• Encourage a healthy diet

• Reduce indoor air pollution with air conditioning and proper filtration

• Discourage smoking and exposure to second hand smoke

• Encourage safe, appropriate exercise

• Teach relaxation techniques to help with anxiety

• Encourage socialization with others to help prevent depression

• Consider a panic button to be worn around your senior loved one’s     neck in case of a breathing crisis

• Accompany your loved one to doctor’s appointments to discuss symptoms

If your senior loved one needs help with breathing difficulties and/or needs supervision during the day while you work, consider an adult day care center.  Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is the premier adult day care center located in Fenton, MO.  The cost of adult day care is less than half of assisted living and less than one fourth of the price of nursing home care.  Payment options include Missouri Aged and Disable Waiver, long term care insurance, veteran’s benefits and private pay.

Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is licensed by the State of Missouri and welcomes the opportunity to meet with you and your loved ones to answer your questions about adult day care.  Please feel free to visit the Bon Vivant website at www.goodlivinglonger.com or call Angela at 636-343-1600.  Follow Bon Vivant on Facebook and Twitter.  Take a picture tour of Bon Vivant Adult Day Club by clicking here.

Article by Beverly McKee