Understanding the risks that your parent faces is often the first step in helping to protect their health as they age in place. Knowing the particular risk factors that your elder has for health challenges and issues can allow you to modify your care routine to help reduce these risk factors, but can also prepare you for the possibility of this condition developing so that you are able to give them the care and support that they will need to manage it properly.
One such condition is arrhythmia. This term is used to describe a variety of conditions that can cause the heart to beat too slowly, to quickly, or at an erratic rhythm that reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively throughout the body. This can lead to a variety of potentially severe consequences, including a stroke and a sudden cardiac arrest.
Some potential risk factors for arrhythmia include:
- Being obese or overweight
- Smoking or otherwise using tobacco
- Having high blood cholesterol, particularly if it is not well controlled
- Living a largely sedentary or inactive lifestyle that reduces overall cardiovascular health
- Not eating a well-balanced diet that provides the body with all of the nutrients that it needs to function and thrive
- Having hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, particularly if it is not well controlled
Talk to your parent’s doctor about their risk for arrhythmia and how you can help to protect their heart. Be aware that this condition can develop even without risk factors or with preventative measures, but continuing to control factors such as weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol can reduce the instance of symptoms and the risk of severe consequences.
Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them during the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elder home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that your parent has access to the level of care, support, and assistance that is right for them.
This means that they are able to address their individual needs, challenges, and limitations in ways that are efficient, meaningful, and respectful of their beliefs, opinions, lifestyle, and goals. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs, fulfillment of activities of daily living, mobility support, help with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, companionship, and more. As their caregiver this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that they can pursue the highest quality of life both when you are with them and when they are with their care provider.
Source: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/WhyArrhythmiaMatters/Why-Arrhythmia-Matters_UCM_002023_Article.jsp#.WorSb2inG3A
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Newton MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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