You’ve probably heard your mom or dad say, “My head is pounding,” or “I just need to lie down for a bit.”
At first, you might brush it off as just a regular headache. But what if it’s more than that? What if it’s a migraine?

As our parents age, their bodies change, and so does the way they experience pain. Migraines and headaches in seniors are more common than many people realize, yet they’re often misunderstood or overlooked.

Let’s talk about it.

Not Just “A Little Pain”

Headaches can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. And for some seniors, they may be a sign of something more serious, or they might be linked to existing health conditions like high blood pressure, poor sleep, or even side effects from medication.

Migraines, in particular, are different from your average headache. They’re more intense, may come with nausea or vision issues, and can last for hours—or even days. For a senior, this kind of pain can feel especially frightening, especially when they’re home alone.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Many adult children are surprised when an aging parent suddenly begins to complain about migraines or severe headaches later in life. The truth is, headache patterns can change with age. Some seniors may experience fewer migraines, while others might have them for the first time ever.

Several factors can contribute:

• Medication interactions
• Dehydration (yes, this simple issue is a big culprit)
• Changes in sleep habits
• Unmanaged stress or loneliness
• Vision issues or needing new glasses
• Underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or arthritis-related inflammation

The important thing is not to dismiss these complaints as “just part of getting older.”

You’re Not Alone, and Neither Is Your Parent

When you’re caring for an aging parent (especially from a distance) hearing about recurring headaches can leave you feeling helpless. You want to fix it. You want to take their pain away.

At Abic Healthcare Services, we regularly support seniors dealing with headaches and migraines. Our compassionate caregivers keep an eye on triggers, track patterns, and help ensure your parent stays hydrated, eats balanced meals, and rests well. Most importantly, we help them feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Sometimes, simply knowing someone is checking in regularly can make a world of difference.

What Can You Do Right Now?

Here are some steps you can take if your parent is experiencing headaches or migraines more often:

1. Encourage them to write it down
   A headache journal helps track when it happens, how long it lasts, and what may have triggered it.
2. Get a professional opinion
   Don’t assume, have a doctor rule out any serious causes like high blood pressure or neurological issues.
3. Look at their medications
   Sometimes, mixing medications (or missing doses) can be the hidden cause.
4. Support better sleep and hydration
   These two things sound simple, but they’re powerful tools for preventing pain.
5. Consider homecare support
   If your parent lives alone or has trouble keeping track of routines, a trusted homecare provider can help take the load off you, and improve their quality of life.

A Gentle Reminder

Your parent isn’t being dramatic. They aren’t complaining for no reason. They’re trying to tell you something—maybe in the only way they know how.

Let’s listen. Let’s support. And if you need help doing that, Abic Healthcare Services is just a call away.

Need help managing your parent’s care?
Let’s talk about how our personalized homecare services can bring peace of mind to both you and your loved one.
📞 Call us today or send us a message.