Home Treatments

As you know, emergencies always come unannounced. While serious conditions can only be treated by a doctor, however for other minor health issues, it is best to equip yourself with the necessary information and first aid. For seniors, sometimes minor problem is also a big headache as they are not equipped to handle the kind of emergency, and this mainly happens because of lack of knowledge and first aid medications available at home. This means seniors should take extra care, and sometimes even caregivers of seniors have to take extra care.

Now, while serious accidents and chronic conditions are best left to doctors to handle, a small cut, constipation, and the common cold are some minor issues that can be easily treated at home with the help of some basic aid, and Do It Yourself (DIY) home remedies. Here are small tips to help you attend to small accidents and relieve symptoms of common illnesses.

Scratches and cuts- With age skin of seniors tend to be thinner and fragile, making it prone to cuts and scratches. In case of a superficial cut, immediately clean with water and soap. After drying the area, apply an antibiotic cream, leave it to dry, and heal. Cover with a bandage or gauze if the cut seems deeper. If the bleeding does not stop or if you have pre-existing conditions that have you on blood thinners, reach out to doctors.

Minor burns- First degree burns caused by touching a hot utensil or appliance can be easily treated at home. The first and foremost thing to do when treating burns is to run them under cool water. Ensure the area is clean and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. To prevent infections, apply antibiotic ointments generously and keep them free of dirt and dust. In case of more severe burns, consult a doctor immediately.

Falls- In case of seniors, the sense of sight and touch tends to deteriorate. They face issues with balance, mobility, their bones become fragile, and are prone to falls and accidents. In case of a fall, the person should sit in a comfortable position, and bumps, bruises, and cuts should be checked on the suspected injured area. Elevate an injured area to ease bleeding and use a cold compress to bring down the swelling. If serious bleeding or any other discomfort is felt, please reach out to your doctor immediately. To prevent further such incidents, ensure that home is free of hazards that may cause one to trip and fall. Install handrails where necessary, including the bathroom and shower area.

Constipation- As we age, our bowel movement tends to become irregular resulting in constipation. Drinking more water and incorporating more fibre in diets are two of the easiest way to treat constipation. Staying hydrated ensures things get moving again while dietary fibre makes it easier to pass stool. Probiotic foods such as yoghurt restore the bacteria balance in the gut, easing constipation. Over-the-counter (OTC) or natural laxatives such as isabgol can help stool to soften. In case these remedies do not work, please consult your doctor.

Sore throat- It is usually not serious but it can cause your throat to feel itchy or swollen, resulting in throat irritation and discomfort. Most sore throats are a result of a viral/bacterial infection or a sudden weather change. Soothe the irritation by sipping hot tea with ginger, honey, and lemon. Gargling warm water mixed with salt can help to ease the swelling

Common colds- Once in a while all of us come down with the common cold, and as we age, our immune systems are compromised, which makes seniors more susceptible to the flu. When down with a cold, the first and foremost thing to take care of is hydration-ensure you get plenty of fluids as it is known to break up the congestion and ease irritation. If you have a stuffy nose, use steam inhalation for immediate relief. Using a saline nasal spray can also help with blockage. A hearty bowl of steaming soup is also a great way to stay warm and cozy. Ensure you get plenty of rest, sleep and if symptoms worsen, please consult your doctor.

There is no way you can know when an injury, fall, or illness might occur, which is why it is always a good idea to have well stocked first-aid kit at home that is easily accessible. You can buy either pre-assembled first aid kits from chemist shops or build one from scratch, customized to your needs. If you are making a first aid kit on your own, ensure that it contains the following items and more-Scissors, tweezers, cotton, tape, gauze, band-aids, antiseptic ointment, thermometer, cold compress, compression-wrap, anti inflammatory and anti-pyretic medicines, pain relievers, and something to soothe burns.

So these are a few tips to prevent some small illnesses at home.

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Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

17^th February 2022