Throughout the United States there are currently more than 75 million people who are living with high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, this can be a very serious health condition by itself, but can also dramatically increase the potential for your parent to suffer other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, experts estimate that one out of every five adults do not realize they are suffering from high blood pressure. This means they cannot seek out proper treatment and management, further increasing the risk that they will suffer serious consequences as a result of their hypertension. As a family caregiver, you can help protect your parent from the serious consequences by understanding their individual risk for high blood pressure. By understanding, you can take the proper steps to reduce their risk, protect their health, and give them the care and support they need to live a healthier lifestyle as they age in place.
Some risk factors for high blood pressure include:
- Being diagnosed with a condition known as prehypertension, which is a state at which the blood pressure levels are elevated, but not yet to the point that it is considered high blood pressure
- Having diabetes, particularly if it is not well managed
- Regularly consuming large amounts of sodium
- Not getting enough potassium in a regular diet
- Having a sedentary lifestyle, or not getting enough physical activity on a regular basis
- Being obese, or significantly overweight. The longer a person carries too much weight, the higher the risk for their high blood pressure, and the more serious the risk of having high blood pressure become
- Excessive consumption of alcohol. This is particularly important if your parent takes a certain medications. Talk to their doctor about all of their prescription medications, and make sure they understand how much alcohol, if any, is safe to consume while taking these medications
- Use of tobacco, particularly smoking
Starting elder care for your senior parent is a fantastic way to enhance their quality of life, help them to manage their challenges and limitations in the ways that are right for them, and support a more fulfilling lifestyle as they age in place. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with tasks such as laundry and dishes, support with bathing and grooming, companionship, medication reminders to help them stay compliant, meal preparation, and more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in St. Louis Park, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
