Elderly Care - Special Care Situations
Elderly Care - Special Care Situations
As we age, we start to notice that getting older brings can bring senior health challenges. You may take steps to practice smart preventive care by being aware of the increasing chronic conditions associated with aging. Senior adult special care needs some cooperation between health care professionals, family members, and caregivers, that is the main reason why you and your loved ones must be prepared and informed about the most common special care conditions in seniors:
Diabetes:
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions that people develop as they grow old. It can be hard to live with diabetes, every day is full of challenging experiences, from preparing a healthy meal to accomplishing your daily activities, and monitoring your blood sugar levels. As you get older, it can become more difficult to cross these obstacles, but you are not alone on this path, our caregivers are specially prepared to help you or your loved ones in this particular situation.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death of people over the age of 65. As a chronic condition, 37 percent of men and 26 percent of 65 or older women are affected by cardiovascular disease. As we age, we develop more risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of them, increasing the chances of stroke and heart disease. Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and visiting your doctor can help you reduce this risk.
Cancer Recovery
Most cancer patients receive much of their treatments at home rather than at a hospital. This means that family members should be prepared to perform multiple daily medical and non-medical duties. Cancer treatment caregiving should be focused in both physical and psychological assistance for the patient.
Parkinson Care
According to the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) and the National Institute of Health (NIH), Parkinson’s condition is diagnosed in approximately 60,000 patients each year, 50% more men than women, in all ethnicities and economical status. This neurological condition that compromises muscle function and coordination, usually affects those over the age of 65.
Patients with Parkinson’s should be treated from a multidisciplinary approach, which includes physical, emotional, occupational and speech therapy. In these cases, caregivers can help you or your loved ones with following the exercises, meals and routines prescribed by your doctor.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a specialized medical option focused on patients entering the final stages of a terminal illness. It’s main purpose is to give patients the therapy they need for managing pain, while also providing the comfort and peace for their well-being. It gives the opportunity for a better quality of life for all those patients suffering from chronic terminal conditions like cancer, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, or chronic lower respiratory disease.
Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive impairment can come on suddenly or gradually, and can be temporary or more permanent. This condition usually compromises brain functions such as memory, thinking, concentration, and other activities of the conscious brain. This condition can be overwhelming for patients and their families, and can affect their daily activities and relationships. That’s why it is very important to provide the appropriate care and therapy to the elderly patients. Physical assistance and emotional companionship are absolutely necessary for the well being of your loved one.
Temporary Care
Surgery and other unexpected events such as wounds from falling, are temporary conditions that equally affect elderly patients. Some of the special needs required in these cases are: post surgical care, medication set-up and administration, physical therapy or rehabilitation, wound management, transportation and companionship during doctor’s appointments. It is crucial that the caregiver or family member in charge of the patient is aware of all the needs and procedures for the first weeks of recovery. Which is why we recommend you to consider specialized caregiving services as your first option.