Thyroid Disease in Seniors

Winnipeg Senior Health  |  December 18, 2020

What Every Senior in Winnipeg, MB Needs to Know About Thyroid Disease 

What do you need to know about thyroid disease in seniors? While there are many great things about getting older, we also become more susceptible to certain health conditions as our bodies age. 

One condition seniors have the potential to develop is thyroid disease, which affects the body’s metabolic rate. Early detection and proper treatment of either can help limit the effects of the conditions and ensure that older adults continue to live healthy, happy lives.

Thyroid Disease Types:

• Hypothyroidism is caused by underproduction of thyroid hormones and results in a low metabolic rate. 
• Hyperthyroidism is caused by increased metabolism when the thyroid produces too many hormones. 

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is more common in older adults but is hard to recognize because symptoms generally occur over many years. The frequency of multiple symptoms decreases with age. Seniors suffering from this disease may have only one or two symptoms. The presentation of symptoms depends largely on the deficiency of hormone levels in the body.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary depending on how low thyroid hormone levels are, and may include: fatigue; sluggishness; increased sensitivity to cold; constipation; pale, dry skin; a puffy face; hoarseness; high cholesterol levels; brittle hair and nails; unexplained weight gain; muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness; menstrual changes; muscle weakness; pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints; depression.

Risk Factors for Developing Hypothyroidism:

• Females over the age of 50 are more susceptible
• Have close relatives suffer from autoimmune disease
• Radiation treatment in the upper neck and/or chest area
• Previous surgery on the thyroid gland
• Iodine deficiency

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism presents itself in various ways, making it a challenge to diagnose, as some symptoms are indicative of other health conditions. As with hypothyroidism, seniors may present only one or two symptoms of this disease. Medications can cause a few of the same symptoms or even mask the signs of this disease.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include: sudden weight loss; rapid or irregular heartbeat; pounding of the heart; increased appetite; nervousness, anxiety or irritability; tremors in the hands and / or fingers; sweating; menstrual changes; increased sensitivity to heat; changes in bowel patterns; an enlarged thyroid gland; fatigue; muscle weakness; difficulty sleeping.

Risk Factors for Developing Hyperthyroidism:

• Having a close family member with hyperthyroidism
• Having Graves or Plummer’s disease
• Thyroiditis (swelling or pain in the thyroid gland)
• Toxic adenoma (nodules on the thyroid gland)

Thyroid disease can be more difficult to diagnose in seniors. However, when diagnosed and properly treated, thyroid disease can be managed, helping ensure the best quality of life for older adults.

Comfort Keepers® Can Help

If someone is suffering from thyroid disease, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers® can help. Our caregivers can assist with meal preparation, medication reminders and can support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets.

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg Offers a Wide Range of Private Home Senior Care Services

For families concerned about the health and well-being of aging loved ones, we can help with homecare services including, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home personal care, respite care, specialized care, in-home nursing, end-of-life care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® professional caregivers provide services to ensure safety, health, and happiness without the stress of moving to an assisted living or rehabilitation facility. Individually tailored care plans account for living arrangements, medical issues, physical restrictions, personalities, expectations, and more.

Our Interactive Caregiving™ Approach Enables Top-Notch Homecare

The Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our compassionate caregivers can provide a personalized home care plan for your loved one, allowing them to enjoy a healthier, safer, and more meaningful retirement at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the Most Trusted Name in Senior Care in Winnipeg

Our in-home caregivers ensure our seniors are physically, socially, and mentally engaged. In addition, we provide options, activities, events, and resources for seniors that might otherwise not be available.

Locally Owned and Operated In-Home Personal Care for Seniors

Our caregivers live and work in the Winnipeg area. We know the area and how to assist our clients using local resources. Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Winnipeg and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact Comfort Keepers® at (204)-488-4600. 

Accredited Home Care for Seniors in Winnipeg

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is 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.

References:

Mayo Clinic. “Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).” Web. 2019.
Mayo Clinic. “Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Web. 2019.
American Thyroid Association. Older Patients and Thyroid Disease. Web.
MedicineNet. Thyroid and Aging – Helping to Keep the Golden Years Golden. Web. 

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