Helping Your Elderly Parent to Stop Smoking
How to Help Your Parent Stop Smoking
The mere title of this article can send shivers down the most loving of family caregivers and children of parents who smoke. If your loved one is over the age of 65 and still smoking, chances are that this activity has been a daily habit for most of their adult lives. Knowing the reaction you may face when you suggest quitting may tend to leave you silent. Turning to a third party such as their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider to make some strong recommendations may be the best way to keep the peace while promoting their well-being.
The public is inundated with the risks associated with smoking and the need to stop. It is the number one leading cause of preventable disease in America, and yet, approximately 15 percent of the population smokes. Cancer, lung disease and vascular disease are all associated with smoking. Although nicotine is an extremely addictive substance, 1.3 million people manage to quit every year.
Help
There are several resources available to seniors to help them in their quest to stop smoking. Medicare will often provide counseling sessions. The National Cancer Institute offers a free quit smoking hotline: 877-44U-QUIT. Smokefree.gov offers phone support as well as a plan for quitting.
Once the Decision is Made
Once your loved one has made the decision to tackle this habit, there are numerous ways you can help them achieve success.
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Limit activities and places that promote smoking. If your loved one always has a cigarette with a glass of wine, now is the time to either replace the wine with a different beverage or give them something else such as pretzels or various cheeses to keep their mind on different flavors and their hands busy. If other members of the family smoke, they will need to refrain when your parent is present.
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Keep hands and mouth busy. This is a great time to start a hobby such as knitting, mosaics, and painting, or take up an instrument. Starting something new causes different synapses in the brain to fire and promotes concentration. Suggest they carry their favorite snack with them such as sunflower seeds, almonds, pretzels, hard candy or gum. This gives them an alternative to lighting up when the urge strikes. Some people require the use of anti-smoking drugs or patches during the first few months. If quitting is proving difficult, consider making an appointment with their health care provider to discuss this option.
Support System
It’s important to keep your parent active and in the company of others during this trying time. Frequent visits to the senior community center and other activities can help keep their mind actively engaged. An elder care provider can offer companionship and care when they need it the most. They can prepare healthy meals and snacks, keep your loved one active by taking frequent walks, trips to various events and social outings, and get out the board games and puzzles to tackle at home. Support, community and loved ones can help your parent succeed in the quest for health in their senior years.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control Smoking Facts Sheet
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Stockbridge GA or the surrounding areas, contact the caring staff at Right At Home of East Atlanta. Call today (678) 712-4002.