How To Help Seniors With Motion Sickness

Nausea is a severe issue for those with motion sickness. It can happen at home or on the road, even from sitting up in bed too quickly. Motion sickness is a condition that the elderly are especially susceptible to, so home health care workers may see it a lot. Of course, you may not always have a home health care worker there with you when motion sickness takes hold.

These tips will help you prevent motion sickness before it begins, especially if you are caring for a loved one who is especially prone to experiencing it.

Avoid Alcohol

Motion sickness-prone individuals should abstain from drinking alcohol whenever possible so that they feel more stable. Drinking, especially to excess, can make it feel as if the world is spinning, leading to nausea.

Eat Light Meals

Heavy meals can make motion sickness challenging to ignore, but so can an empty stomach. Avoid allowing your loved one to skip meals and instead encourage eating a small meal for best results. You can also encourage a more bland meal if you are going to be spending a lot of time in the car.

If you can throw in a bit of ginger before an event that is sure to trigger motion sickness, that's even better. Ginger is thought to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with motion sickness. Better yet, ginger comes in a hard candy form.

Use an Over-the-Counter Medication

Medication for motion sickness typically comes in the form of a patch or a pill containing dimenhydrinate or meclizine. You can discuss these options with your loved one's doctor before using them regularly, as they may interact with other prescribed medications.

Encourage an Outward Gaze

Instead of looking down directly at the water while riding in a boat, riders are encouraged to look toward the horizon. A similar technique is available in the car. Have your loved one look outward, not toward the road.

Whatever you do, do not encourage your loved one to start reading or looking at their phone for long stretches of time. This can encourage nauseae even faster.

Sit Down

One of the first things you should do if somebody you love is feeling ill due to motion sickness is to sit down with them. Nausea can come on quickly and with strength. For the elderly, this could lead to falling or losing balance. Find a seat fast soon as possible.

Motion sickness can have an impact on your loved one's life. If you are caring for them at home, being acquainted with the condition is essential. The steps you take could provide comfort and relief from the nausea and dizziness.

For more help with in home care, contact a business like In Your Home Care.

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