Helping Aging Parents with Health Issues with Near Infrared Therapy

Jan 7, 2020 | Tori Breillat

Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN.

As our population ages, issues arise around health and independent living. Many adults find themselves dealing with the health issues of their parents, sometimes nearby but often from several states away. It is a growing issue revolving around quality of care, safety, and quality of life.

About 17 percent of adult children care for their parents at some point in their lives, and the likelihood of doing so rises with age, according to the Health and Retirement Study, which was sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration. An analysis of that study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that 10 percent of adults ages 60 to 69 whose parents are alive serve as caregivers, as do 12 percent of adults age 70 and older.

Caring for Aging Parents

Parents who’ve reached their 80s, 90s or higher are more likely to have chronic illnesses and related disabilities and to require assistance, the study found. There are often physical and emotional ramifications for the caregivers, as well as the recipients of the care. The physical toll from helping someone get into a car or waking up at night to provide assistance, and the social isolation that can result from not being able to leave someone alone, can become overwhelming to the caregiver. There are lots of resources to help guide you through the process.
These are important issues to consider for those who take care of an aging parent or parents. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the annual medical costs associated with falls totals more than $50 billion. The CDC also says:

  • Each year, millions of people 65 and older are treated in emergency departments because of falls.
  • More than 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a broken hip or head injury.
  • Fall injuries are among the 20 most expensive medical conditions.
  • The average hospital cost for a fall injury is over $30,000.
  • The costs of treating fall injuries goes up with age.

If you have an aging parent with health issues, it is important to make sure their doctor is informed. These health issues might not be able to be cured, but it can be managed.

Near Infrared Therapy for Pain Relief

An increasing number of patients are relieving their pain with Near Infrared therapy (NIR). Red light therapy, which is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is painless, drug-free, prescription-free and non-invasive. Research backs the effectiveness of Near Infrared therapy to provide pain relief. HealthLight uses cutting-edge, clinical-strength and FDA-cleared technology to provide sensation relief.

HealthLight devices offer an efficient and comfortable experience for patients who are living with pain. They can be used for a variety of applications ranging from pain-points, such as elbows or knees, to larger muscle groups, such as the back and shoulders.

Studies also show that physical therapy is effective for pain, especially when partnered with NIR. HealthLight has physical therapy partners that offer the treatment as part of their treatment protocols for pain.

Start Your Pain Relief Journey Today

Contact us now and speak with a light therapy expert. They are here to help you find relief at home with soothing red light therapy.

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