Caring for Your Elderly Loved One with Epilepsy

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Senior Care Experts Philadelphia

For seniors with epilepsy, the risk of seizures can make daily life challenging and uncomfortable. However, there are some steps you can take to help keep your loved one safe and comfortable during a seizure, and measures you can take to prevent future occurrences. The Philadelphia Home Care experts at Home Care Assistance recommend these tips to help manage your loved one’s epilepsy.

Promote Safety and Comfort During a Seizure

If you notice your loved one showing signs of a seizure, you should try to keep him or her as safe and comfortable as possible. To prevent a fall from occurring, you should help your loved one lie down, preferably on his or her side. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and place something soft under the head. Be sure to stay with your loved one for the duration of the seizure.

Keep a Seizure Log

You should create a log documenting your loved one’s seizures, including the duration. It is also a good idea to record your loved one’s activities and behaviors immediately before and after the seizure. This information can help a neurologist recognize any patterns and find ways to help your loved one better manage the condition.

Provide Extra Supervision

Your loved one will probably experience a period of fatigue and confusion following a seizure, which can last for a few minutes to even a few hours after it occurs. Make sure you or another Philadelphia caregiver stays with your loved one during this time to ensure he or she stays safe.

Educate Family and Other Caregivers

Make sure anyone caring for your loved one knows how to respond during a seizure. The following points should be emphasized:

  • Allow a seizure to run its course
  • Never try to restrain your loved one when he or she is having a seizure
  • Call 911 if a seizure lasts more than five minutes
  • Never stick an object in your loved one’s mouth during a seizure
  • Don’t offer your loved one anything by mouth until he or she is fully alert

Know Your Loved One’s Medications

If your loved one is on any anti-seizure medications, make sure you know exactly when and how they should be administered. Many of these medications have to be taken precisely on schedule to prevent triggering additional seizures.

Help ensure your loved one with epilepsy stays safe and comfortable by hiring a part-time caregiver in Philadelphia. At Home Care Assistance, our experienced caregivers can assist your loved one with medication reminders and can be there to supervise his or her activities during any time of the day. For more information, call one of our qualified Care Managers today at (215) 645-4663 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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