Headaches can be difficult to alleviate, and even seniors who have never had recurring headaches before can sometimes develop this issue. If your senior loved one is experiencing headaches and the doctor has ruled out migraines, they’re likely tension headaches, and there are a number of natural remedies that can offer relief. Here are some natural ways to help your loved one alleviate headache pain.
Massage
Gently massaging your loved one’s shoulders, neck, and even the scalp can help tremendously if he or she has tension headaches. Put on some relaxing music while you’re doing the massage, and have your loved one lie down if possible. Applying warm compresses to the neck and shoulders before the massage can eliminate the headache more quickly. You can also try rubbing some lavender essential oil, which is known to be relaxing, into your loved one’s temples.Handling pain from headaches can be especially difficult for aging adults who are living with other health conditions. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare.Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Guided Meditation
This relaxation technique works to relieve headaches in two ways. First, it takes the mind off whatever may be causing worry and stress by giving it a soothing voice and music to listen to and concentrate on. Second, the controlled breathing and relaxation loosens muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, which is a major cause of headaches. There are many free guided meditations available online, and your loved one can choose one that resonates with him or her.
Feverfew
This is an herb belonging to the chrysanthemum family. It has been proven to provide relief for headaches by dilating the blood vessels, which alleviates vascular tension. Feverfew comes in tablet, liquid, and chewable forms.Helping an older adult mitigate pain can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Irving, TX, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Valerian
This herb is a relaxant with a mild sedative effect that relieves muscle tension and anxiety that can accompany a headache. Valerian extract is often more effective and may act faster than the powdered root, and it comes as a liquid or in capsules.
Chamomile Tea
Sometimes seniors may not get enough water and experience slight dehydration. Dehydration headaches can be very quickly remedied by drinking water, but giving your loved one a cup of relaxing chamomile tea with honey and lemon can serve this purpose and more. This ancient herb has been used for centuries to relieve tension and promote sleep.In addition to headaches, there are several other health issues that might be affecting your loved one. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Irving senior care.Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call one of our Care Managers at (817) 591-1580 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.
