Ignoring or dismissing aches, pains, and general medical problems isn’t uncommon, especially among the senior population. Whether due to pride or embarrassment, elderly people often attribute their ailments to the natural aging process, even when such changes impact their ability to carry out daily activities.
If you notice your senior loved one is having difficulty performing the activities of daily living, offer assistance or consider hiring a caregiver to help with things such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation. Also, keep an eye out for the following changes in health that warrant a checkup with the family doctor. These symptoms may be indicative of a more serious health problem.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Constipation may be a common occurrence for some seniors, but if it comes on suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms, this could point to a bigger problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome or even colon cancer. Although certain foods can cause temporary changes in bowel habits, including blood in the stool, constipation, painful bowel movements, bowel urgency, and urinary incontinence, these issues should never last for more than 3 or 4 weeks, and they should be checked by a physician.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Align Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Skin Discoloration & Bruising
With age, skin loses elasticity and undergoes several changes. For this reason, some seniors may falsely believe increased bruising or skin discoloration is normal. However, these symptoms can be caused by medications such as blood thinners and medical conditions that affect red blood cells and clotting times.
Poor circulation and blood vessel deficiencies can also cause bruises, redness, a blue tint, or paleness in the skin. When blood flow is severely restricted, changes in skin color may indicate tissue damage. Consult a medical professional for prompt treatment if you notice discoloration or frequent bruising on your loved one’s skin.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Portland live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Align Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life.
Excess Fatigue
The expression “old and tired” doesn’t always hold true. If your loved one is experiencing a significant amount of fatigue, there’s likely an underlying cause. It would be incorrect to assume excessive fatigue is simply a natural part of growing old. In many cases, feeling tired all the time is a symptom of an underlying health condition. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, anemia, or the worsening of a current health condition may be to blame. Without a thorough checkup, this can negatively impact your loved one’s overall health and even lead to serious physical limitations.
These are just a few of the most common symptoms many people might mistakenly chalk up to normal aging, but they often serve as the first signs that other health conditions are present. A good rule of thumb is to contact the family doctor when your loved one is experiencing a new or worsening symptom to rule out illness and prevent the worsening of any current conditions.
If your loved one is diagnosed with a serious health issue, he or she may need help to age in place safely and comfortably. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior care. Portland families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Align Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (207) 835-3490 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.