A Short Guide to Thyroid Disease for Seniors

Victoria Senior Health  |  October 19, 2020

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Thyroid Disease and Seniors

Thyroid Disease for Seniors | There are so many good aspects of living independently throughout the golden years. However, aging also brings certain challenges and many of us often become more susceptible to developing health conditions than when we were younger.

Seniors are particularly prone to developing complications with the thyroid gland, which can lead to some form of thyroid disease when left undetected.

The two most common thyroid conditions are:

#1 – Hypothyroidism:

This is caused by the lack of thyroid hormones in the system and results in a low metabolic rate.

#2 – Hyperthyroidism:

Occurs when the thyroid gland overproduces hormones, which leads to increased metabolism.

The first one, hypothyroidism, is more prevalent in the elderly. It is, however, rather difficult to recognize as the symptoms appear slowly, over many years. Moreover, seniors afflicted by this condition may only have one or two symptoms because the frequency of symptoms decreases with age.

Depending on how low thyroid hormone levels in the organism have become, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can include sluggishness and fatigue, constipation, amplified sensitivity to coldness, dry skin and pale complexion, high cholesterol, brittle nails and hair, sudden weight gain, stiffness and muscle aches, joint swelling, as well as depression.

There are several risk factors for developing hypothyroidism:

• Being female over 50
• Having a member of the immediate family diagnosed with an autoimmune disease
• Recently receiving radiation treatment in the upper torso
• Previously undergoing thyroid gland surgery
• Developing iodine deficiency

The second one, hyperthyroidism, is also challenging to diagnose, especially because certain symptoms can be signs of other health issues too.

Similar to hypothyroidism, seniors with hyperthyroidism may express only one or two symptoms of this disease, including:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat rate
• Anxiety
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Tremors in the hands
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Menstrual and/or bowel changes
• An enlarged thyroid gland
• Difficulty sleeping

With this in mind, the risk factors for developing hyperthyroidism can be linked to:

• Having a history of this disease in the family
• Being diagnosed with Graves of Plummer’s disease
• Experiencing swelling or pain in the thyroid gland, otherwise known as thyroiditis
• Developing toxic adenomas or nodules on the thyroid gland

Nonetheless, when diagnosed and properly treated, thyroid disease can be managed adequately, helping ensure the best quality of life for seniors affected by the condition.

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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