If your elderly loved one is a smoker, it is likely going to be hard to get them to quit. However, quitting smoking can dramatically benefit your loved one’s health, funds, and more. Getting your loved one to quit can help them live out the remainder of their life with fewer risks of developing further health issues. This article will discuss tips for helping your senior loved one kick the habit and stop smoking.
List the Positives
Smoking causes a whole host of issues. From cancer risks to lung damage, there isn’t a real benefit of smoking. But, there are also a lot of positives beyond improving overall health. Cigarettes create stains in your home, car, and other areas where your loved one may smoke consistently. Cigarettes can reduce ventilation systems in the house, as tar and ash clog up your air filters. This can waste energy and weaken the effectiveness of your A/C or heaters. Furthermore, cigarettes can be a major source of spending. In New York, one pack can cost upwards of $13. The more your loved one smokes a day, the less money they will have to take care of themselves.
Keeping safe is also a plus. Many house fires are caused by falling asleep with a cigarette. Fire hazards can be removed from the home, but it is safest to quit. The local fire department often supplies smoke detectors which should be installed and kept in good working condition.
Quitting With Them
If you smoke, it can be hard to justifiably convince them to stop. Work towards this goal together. It is much easier to change bad habits if you have someone to work with. Improve the quality of your life along with theirs.
Quitting Aids
Thankfully, there is a wide variety of smoking cessation aids available on the market. These range from nicotine gum to patches, and more. Your loved one should talk to their doctor about which cessation aids might be a good place to start. NYC offers free starter kits to quit, including patches. You can find more information on this here.
Support groups for smokers trying to quit can be a good way to keep your loved one encouraged about kicking the habit. However, they may not have the mobility to attend a meeting in person. Help them find groups that meet virtually, and walk them through the proper procedures to join a video call.
Replacing Bad Habits
One way to create positive change is to help your loved one replace their cravings with something healthier. Work with them to do something different when they feel nicotine cravings, such as taking a walk. Fresh air and light exercise can be a good replacement and a reminder of how much better they feel without cigarettes.
Be Forgiving
Quitting smoking is hard. Despite being a deadly habit, people are likely to lapse. Nicotine is incredibly addicting, and it can be incredibly difficult to kick the habit. Be forgiving, and try your best to help them quit. Reacting harshly to lapses can lead to more negative results. Positive reinforcement of good behaviors can be much more helpful in getting your loved one to truly break their cigarette dependency.
Removing Cigarette Items
It can be easier to quit if you eliminate temptations and limit access. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, matches, and packs of cigarettes. Cigarette smells can also trigger cravings, so remove or thoroughly clean surfaces and materials that smell like smoke. Upholstery, rugs, curtains, and more that have absorbed the smell of smoke should be replaced or cleaned.
Quitting Smoking with Your Home Health Aides
Your loved one’s home health aide can lend a hand in their quitting journey. Their aide can encourage them to quit, and take walks with them. Communicate with your loved one’s aide so that you can work as a team to help reduce relapses.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us by clicking here, or call (718)-979-6900.
