In Home Care for Seniors Coping with Chronic Diseases

Uncategorized  |  December 15, 2017

The joy of becoming a senior is sometimes clouded with the not so joyous moments and unexpected occurrences. One of the most common challenges that many seniors face is that of chronic disease. these diseases change their lives forever and make the simplicities of daily living, extremely complicated. Changes in the body and health of the senior are among the many changes that common chronic illnesses present. However, in home care for seniors can help to make the disease less challenging in one or more ways.

There are several chronic diseases that become more prevalent as aging adults become older. It can be difficult to manage care and daily living on your own, but in home care providers assist with those tasks that were once quite easy for seniors to do by themselves.

Following are some of the most common chronic diseases that seniors face today:

Osteoporosis

• Affecting more than 44 million adults 50 and older, this condition affects more than 44 million adults but is more common in women

• This condition causes bones to become brittle and weak, which makes it easier for seniors to break their bones when doing common things, such as bending over, coughing or unfortunately, if they take a fall.

• Caregivers assist seniors in their daily lives by creating conditions that reduce the risk of injuries and falls, they encourage them to stop smoking, omit or limit their intake of all, and introduce a diet that promotes healthy bones. Seniors are also encouraged to exercise or remain physically active, daily.

Diabetes

• Elevated blood sugar levels lead to diabetes in seniors.

• One out of every four Americans over the age of 65 has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the most common form. Seniors don’t always respond to insulin as they should, proper senior care can ensure that they are following a proper diet and taking their medication as they should.

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

• Unfortunately, 75% of adults that are 60 and older, are either obese or overweight. Obesity is typically related to diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

• Homecare solutions such as home health aides assist seniors by encouraging healthy eating habits, regular exercise and teaching them to remain proactive in their food choices by selecting foods that are free of trans-fat but filled with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Senior care providers assist aging adults with the most common types of heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and congenital heart disease.

• Cardiovascular disease is any condition of the heart that involves diseased vessels, structural issues surrounding the heart, or blood clots.

• The risk of heart disease can be greatly reduced with a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, caregivers are there to ensure that aging adults are eating high fiber-meals, consuming the necessary nutrients, limiting alcohol intake, exercising properly and taking their prescribed and OTC meds as instructed by their physician.

Senior living is much more enjoyable with in home care services that assist during the various stages of chronic diseases.

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