Seniors and their families may experience a wide variety of emotions after major health scares. Some feel hopeless or apprehensive, while others become determined to prevent future episodes. Regardless of the severity of the health scares, seniors should make some lifestyle changes to boost their health and address any emotional issues they’re facing.
Diagnose Underlying Illnesses
Some of the most common age-related health conditions are caused by a variety of factors and illnesses. After a serious health scare, these issues must be properly diagnosed and addressed. In addition to seeking second opinions, seniors should also ask their doctors to carry out complete checkups as well as blood tests. Underlying conditions such as prediabetes or high blood pressure can exacerbate the primary health issue and trigger attacks.
Your loved one is susceptible to a variety of age-related challenges that can impact his or her quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care in Phoenix families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Take a Fresh Look at Over-the-Counter & Prescription Medications
Following serious medical diagnoses or acute conditions, seniors must also take closer looks at their medications to see if any changes need to be made. However, they shouldn’t stop taking their medications until they’ve spoken with their doctors about the potential side effects. Suddenly quitting certain prescription medications can be extremely dangerous without medical supervision. The doctor might suggest reducing the dosage or trying alternative products that don’t have the same side effects.
Track Side Effects & Symptoms
Many health scares are preceded by a wide variety of symptoms. An example of this might be chest pain and difficulty breathing in the days leading up to a heart attack. In addition to tracking vitals, seniors and caregivers should also keep journals of any unusual signs and symptoms they notice. This includes sleeping habits, energy levels, appetite, and bowel movements. What appears to be a minor symptom could be a warning sign of a bigger health issue that’s about to occur.
Change the Diet
Even though many chronic health conditions can’t be completely cured with dietary changes, a healthy meal plan can minimize the symptoms. After getting a blood test done, your loved one should have a better idea of potential nutritional deficiencies. If your loved one is lacking certain vitamins and nutrients, he or she can consider high-quality supplements.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Phoenix Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Consider a Support Group or Therapist
A major health scare is likely to impact an individual’s emotional health and wellbeing. Many hospitals and senior centers have support groups for older adults who have difficulty managing their emotions after experiencing traumatic situations. Working with support groups or therapists can help them take control of their feelings and reduce their risk of long-term depression and social isolation.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Phoenix elderly home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (602) 374-5775 today.