Most people never really think about how many times they swallow until their throats begin to hurt. If this is the case with a senior loved one in your life, there are some home remedies you can try.
1. Gargle with Salt Water
You’ve probably heard it all your life, but gargling with salt water can help a throat stop hurting. The salt in the water shrinks swollen cells. Encourage your loved one to give it a try by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
2. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Your loved one will probably protest if you tell him or her to drink straight apple cider vinegar, so combine it with a tablespoon of honey and eight ounces of warm water. While it won’t taste very good, many people swear this is the best way to alleviate a sore throat. If you’re looking for ways to boost your loved one’s health, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service.Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Use Steam
Some people believe steam can relieve a sore throat. Boil some water in a pan, cover your loved one’s head with a towel, and have him or her stand over the pan and breathe in the vapors. Your parent can also sit in a steamy hot bathroom to get the alleviating perks of steam.Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Des Moines families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
4. Drink Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is easy to make by combining some of the root with cloves in a cup of hot water. Then have your loved one drink it while it’s still warm. It’s not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, so to speak, but it gets the job done.
5. Suck on a Clove
Have your loved one pop a whole clove into his or her mouth and suck on it until it becomes soft. Then encourage your loved one to chew it like a piece of gum.
6. Drink Water
Many seniors don’t drink enough water anyway, and some find taking a drink of water helps a sore throat feel better. Try to encourage your loved one to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. If the sore throat becomes worse or isn’t gone in a couple of days, make sure your loved one sees a doctor. Home remedies can be quite effective for preventing and alleviating symptoms of a wide range of conditions commonly found among aging adults. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Des Moines elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (515) 264-2438 today.
