National Kick Butts Day takes place on March 20th. It’s a prime day for smokers from around the nation to stop smoking. One of the things your dad will need most is a strong support team. If he isn’t feeling supported, it’s going to be much harder for him to stay motivated to quit.

People to Put on the Support Team

Elder Care River Oaks, TX: National Kick Butts Day

If your dad has friends or family members who still smoke, they’re not the best choices for his support team. Choose non-smokers and people who have stopped smoking. Former smokers know what he’s going through, so they often make the best supporters.

His siblings, adult children, and spouse are all good people to have on the team. Take shifts to help praise each day he’s successful. Make sure you don’t criticize if he slips up.

Talk to His Doctor

While some smokers do find quitting cold turkey to be successful, it’s not common. Your dad may need prescription medications, nicotine patches, or other cessation aids. If he hasn’t talked to his doctor, he should. Some smokers find that therapy sessions work well for stopping smoking. Ask the doctor for the best ways to offer support.

Be Prepared for a Grouchy Attitude

When the nicotine cravings kick in, your dad may become irritable. Be patient. It’s nothing personal. He’s just struggling as he fights the demanding cravings. You can walk away when he’s grouchy or use a distraction to take his mind off of it.

Keep Him Busy

Make sure your dad stays busy. If he’s involved in a hobby, exercise routine, or outing, he’s less likely to notice the cravings. If he’s never been into hobbies, now is a good time to start. Try different hobbies out and find one he seems to enjoy the most.

Avoid the Activities He Did While Smoking

Try to avoid the things that he usually did while smoking. For example, if he always read the newspaper while having his morning cigarette, switch to an online paper. If he smoked while getting the mail, have someone else get it for a while.

Surround Him With Companionship and Social Activities

Most family caregivers have their own families at home and a job. When you cannot be there to keep your dad company, elder care agencies can arrange caregivers. The caregivers can help your dad with household chores and talk him through cravings. Make a call to arrange elder care and learn more about the available services.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in River Oaks, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, and Sugar Land and the surrounding areas. 

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Sid Gerber

Founding Partner at S. Gerber and Associates & Personal Caregiving Services

Sid Gerber is a founding partner of S. Gerber & Associates, a firm representing over 28 years of experience specializing in a broad range of long term care products and services including but not limited to care assessment, planning and management, care coordination, in-home caregiving services, quality assurance monitoring, and the securing of financial independence and asset protection utilizing insurance products from major carriers to pay for long-term care. Mr. Gerber helps family members make difficult long-term care decisions and provides them with the necessary education and resources to plan and manage their long-term health care and financial needs.

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