According to studies, about 75% of the strokes that happen every year happen to seniors who are over the age of 65. As seniors get older their risk of having a stroke increases. Seniors may not be able to reduce their risk of having a stroke to zero, but with the help of home care assistance, there are things they can do like eating right and exercising. There are also things that seniors need to stop doing to lower their risk of having a stroke. 4 things seniors should stop doing right now to lower their risk of having a stroke are:
Not Going To The Bathroom
Seniors that tend to hold it instead of going to the bathroom when they feel the urge to urinate are actually increasing their blood pressure when they do that. The higher their blood pressure goes, the higher the risk is that they are going to have a stroke. When seniors have very high blood pressure they have a much higher risk of having a stroke or a mini-stroke. Seniors should always go to the bathroom when they need to. Home care assistance can make it easier for seniors to get to the bathroom if they have mobility challenges that make it tough for them to do that.
Not Telling Your Doctor About All Medications And Supplements
Seniors need to be up front with their doctor about all medications and supplements that they are taking. That’s because medications can react badly to other medications and to supplements. When that happens it can cause a stroke or a heart attack in seniors. Sometimes seniors forget that they have started taking a medication prescribed by another doctor or they forget about a new supplement that they are trying. Home care assistance that helps with medication management can make it easier to communicate with doctors about medications. A home care provider can keep a detailed list of all supplements and drugs seniors take and make sure that your senior loved one’s doctor gets a copy.
Not Telling Your Doctor About Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can indicated a serious illness, and seniors need to tell their doctors if they are dealing with chronic pain that doesn’t go away. Doctors may be able to treat the chronic pain but they will need to do so in a way that won’t make high blood pressure worse or increase the risk of a stroke.
Not Having A Bedtime
It may sound strange but not having a regular bedtime can increase the risk of a senior having a stroke. Seniors need a lot of rest, and a regular bedtime will ensure that seniors are getting the rest that they need. Seniors should have a regular wake up time also, but it’s really important that they have a regular bedtime. Seniors who have trouble falling asleep at night can try meditating or journaling before bed to help them relax enough to sleep. Medication can also sometimes help with insomnia or sleep challenges.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care assistance in Dacula, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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