Reasons Older Adults Need to Attend Regular Doctor Visits

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While getting regular medical checkups is important for everyone, regular doctor visits are especially crucial for older adults. Age-related health conditions need to be monitored because they can quickly progress if they aren’t managed well. Here are some reasons your senior loved one needs to see his or her physician on a regular basis. 

Monitor Blood Pressure

The risk of high blood pressure rises with age. Coupled with other health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure can be life-threatening if it isn’t monitored constantly. It’s for this reason your loved one needs to visit the doctor on a regular basis. When high blood pressure is monitored and managed, the risk of complications decreases. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, and the only way it can be identified is by having it checked. 

Some seniors with high blood pressure find it challenging to manage the condition on their own. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

Evaluate Serum Glucose

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that may be more likely to develop in elderly people and, if left untreated, can raise the risk of complications such as renal failure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis. A simple blood test can reveal glucose abnormalities that can be successfully treated with medications, dietary interventions, weight loss, and exercise. Well-managed diabetes may also slow the progression of diabetes-related circulatory issues and decrease the risk of stasis ulcers and limb amputation. 

If your loved one needs assistance getting to and from regular doctor’s appointments, consider hiring a professional caregiver to help when you aren’t able to be there. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Edmonton, Alberta, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.

Manage Pain

Seniors often experience chronic pain as a result of arthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative joint disease. Regular doctor visits ensure your loved one’s pain is well managed so he or she can live comfortably. Severe pain limits mobility, and it can place undue strain on the cardiovascular system while raising the risk of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and anxiety. 

Pain may indicate conditions such as pancreatic or gallbladder disease, spinal tumours, kidney stones, herniated discs, or even malignancies. The sooner the source of pain is identified, the sooner an effective care plan can be implemented. Pain diminishes quality of life for seniors and prevents them from enjoying their golden years with family and friends. 

Address Cognitive Health Issues

Age-related cognitive deficits need to be monitored and treated by a physician. If the healthcare provider feels it’s necessary, your loved one may be referred to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Cognitive deficits can seriously diminish quality of life, and while they’re typically not associated with medical disorders, they can indicate the presence of brain lesions, high liver enzymes, elevated blood sugar levels, and severe infections. If your loved one displays symptoms of diminished cognition, he or she needs to be medically evaluated. 

It’s important for seniors to visit their doctors regularly to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Edmonton home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (780) 490-7337.

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