Fighting cancer is never easy. The older someone becomes, the more difficult fighting cancer gets. Not only does age tend to compromise someone’s immune system and overall health, it also makes people more likely to suffer from other illnesses and conditions, compounding the impact that cancer can have on someone’s health.
The odds are not in our favor when it comes to cancer and the elderly. Some estimates say that as many as 23 percent of all cancer cases occur within those that are aged 65 or over. But this kind of knowledge can help us to be better prepared.
Oftentimes, treatment teams don’t consider elderly patients to be suitable candidates for the same treatment methods that would be considered for younger patients. Chemotherapy, surgery, and even radiation becomes riskier for seniors because of the complications that come with age. This is not an easy decision for doctors, and it’s certainly an emotionally difficult place for family and loved ones to be.
But just because treatment choices for seniors can be more complex than they are for younger folk, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t options. Working closely with a team of medical professionals can help ensure that you get the right guidance and path forward.
If possible, things like light exercise, healthy diet, and mental stimulation like conversations, puzzles, and games, can also help. Some of these help promote mental health, but there is evidence that they can help with some types of cancer and prevention, too.
Unfortunately, a lot of cancer treatment for seniors revolves around providing comfort. While this is important, it’s not the only thing that should be focused, depending on the stage of cancer that you might be facing. Again, please consult with a doctor to ensure that your options are being fully explored and that any additional activities that are being encouraged will be helpful.
Additionally, for seniors that are struggling with advanced cancer symptoms, hospice care might be an option. Hospice care can be received in an institutionalized setting, like a care facility, or it can be given in the home, kind of like how in-home care is given. There are choices out there for your family when it comes time to make these tough end of life decisions.
Regardless of what you are up against, when an older loved one is fighting illness, finding them the best care you can is important. Senior care in general can be overwhelming, but even with all of that, you want to connect those that you love to what will help them the most.
But where do you start? This is a common question that a lot of families struggle with.
Maybe you’re struggling with this question right now. Please know that there’s help out there for you. We are happy to offer guidance and advice–just give us a call to get started. One of our trained professionals would be happy to help get you pointed in the right direction and even set up a longer and more in-depth (and totally free!) consultation session.
Let us know how we can serve you. Give us a call or email to get started.
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