May is Celiac Awareness Month. This genetic autoimmune disorder impacts only approximately 1 percent of the total population of the United States, but can have very serious and life-changing implications for those who have it. Experts estimate that approximately 83 percent of those who are living with the disease have not received a diagnosis or have been diagnosed incorrectly, putting them at risk of much more serious complications over time. By understanding how this condition impacts your parent, you can better develop a care routine that will help them to manage their needs while also supporting their pursuit of a higher quality of life as they age in place.

Some things that you should know about the life impact of celiac disease on your aging parent include:

• 49 percent of those with celiac disease say that they have had to sacrifice important events or life experiences because of the symptoms of celiac disease or the requirement to maintain a gluten-free diet
• 37 percent of women with celiac disease report suffering consistent feelings of depression
• 70 percent of people with celiac disease try to maintain a gluten-free diet, but continue to be exposed to gluten due to accidental culinary exposures as well as environmental exposure, threatening their health and well-being over time
• 89 percent of people with celiac disease experience a symptom referred to as “brain fog” when they are exposed to gluten. This includes confusion, difficulty concentrating, and inability to make decisions
• 80 percent of those who are suffering from celiac disease report having a difficult time actually remaining gluten-free with their eating

It is important to note that while celiac disease is referred to as an “invisible disease” because the symptoms are rarely readily evident, the burden of this disease is high. People living with celiac often report that this disease negatively impacts their quality of life even more than other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even irritable bowel syndrome. As a family caregiver it is important that you not only recognize the physical needs of your senior, including helping them to maintain a strictly gluten-free diet and lifestyle, but also their mental and emotional health needs as well. Show them support and encouragement. Do not belittle them or minimize what they are going through, and make efforts to adjust, adapt, and modify activities, events, and experiences so that your parent can participate fully while still handling their disease properly.

If your aging parent has recently been diagnosed with celiac disease or you have been looking for ways to help them manage this condition more effectively as they age in place, starting home care for them may be the ideal option for improving their quality of life and supporting their health. An in-home senior care services provider can be there with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that their needs are met while also encouraging them to maintain mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being, while also helping them to stay as independent, active, and fulfilled as possible as they age in place. When it comes to celiac disease, this includes helping your parent to understand the issues that their disease entails and what they can do to manage it properly, as well as offering reminders to keep them compliant with any medications, guidelines, or recommendations offered by their doctor. They can also provide safe and reliable transportation to the grocery store to help them stock their kitchen with the foods that are right for their needs, get into the kitchen to prepare meals and snacks with them, and encourage them to choose the right foods throughout their care journey.

Have questions about home care in Kahala, HI? Contact the caring staff at All Care Hawaii today.  Call Oahu (808) 206-8409 or Maui (808) 664-3853.  Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Sources

https://celiac.org/blog/2014/04/celiac-disease-foundation-celebrates-may-celiac-awareness-month-7-day-gluten-free-meal-plan-team-gluten-free-challenge/

https://www.beyondceliac.org/60forceliac/

https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/facts-and-figures/

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Jermie Chadwick, CEO

CEO / Owner at All Care Hawaii

Jermie graduated with her nursing degree from Ateneo De Davao University. Jermie has a compassionate nature, being raised by her Grandparents and Aunt who instilled in her respect for elders, as well as the “golden rule” to help others is priority. Jermie worked for many years with two of the leading Health Care Agencies in Hawaii and received many accolades from both the companies and the clients. During this time she expanded upon her extensive health care training and knowledge, by gaining vast practical experience. Today Jermie’s skills and experience are utilized in her oversight of all aspects of care provided by All Care Hawaii, assuring that the company she founded remains consistently committed to the best care for others and responsive to all client’s needs.

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