What to Look Out for When Caring for a Senior’s Health

Health concerns shift and change as you age, some of which can make caring for an elderly family member more difficult. While it can be helpful to consult with a physician when figuring out the best way to care for your loved one, here are some of the most common health concerns of seniors and how you can best take care of them.

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Hearing Health

Hearing loss is one of the most common health concerns in seniors. It can be caused by aging, heredity, or even loud noises. The inability to hear can lead to other complications like confusion and depression. Untreated hearing loss also contributes to the development of dementia and muscle loss, as a senior is prone to isolating themself to avoid challenging situations. If you notice that your loved one has been having trouble hearing what others are saying or if they seem distant, get them checked out by a specialist as soon as possible. You can also help them try hearing aids so they can figure out which devices work best for them. Nowadays, many hearing aids can be almost unnoticeable!

Balance (Muscle & Bone Loss)

Balance is also often a problem as the person can become increasingly unsteady on their feet with age. This is caused by gradual muscle and bone loss, making individuals feel less stable on their feet. It is important not only to help them maintain their bone health but ensure they do regular checkups. One way you can do this is by participating in manageable weight-bearing exercises and taking calcium supplements if necessary.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Be aware of the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s – symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and language difficulties. Don’t be surprised if your loved one has trouble finding words or is struggling to find the right word. This is especially true for people with dementia who may have trouble remembering what they want to say or searching through memories that are no longer there.

Arthritis & Stiffness

Having arthritis means that your joints are swollen, painful, and stiff. The stiffness can make simple tasks like walking, working the muscles in your body, or even turning over in bed difficult. While arthritis is commonly associated with old age, the disease can affect everyone. Seniors are more prone to joint stiffness as a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Keeping active can not only delay arthritis but prevent it altogether!

It is important to keep an eye on these health concerns when caring for seniors because they can limit their lives if left untreated.

Cataracts and Glaucoma

As we age, our lenses start to get cloudy and yellow. This is called a cataract. Cataracts can happen at any age but usually begin during our 40s or 50s. It is a slow-progressive disorder that can significantly impact vision when left untreated. Cataract surgery is safe and common in the United States. 

In the United States, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Seniors, especially those with diabetes and existing medical conditions, are at high risk of glaucoma. 

Caring for a loved one is a demanding job! When you become a carer for a senior, you want to ensure that you can keep track of all essential medical checkups to help them stay healthy for as long as possible. 

 

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