The chances that a senior will develop a blood clot increase as they get older. The more sedentary seniors are the higher their risk of getting a blood clot is. Blood clots can be deadly for anyone, but they can be particularly risky for seniors. Often they cause strokes or heart attacks in seniors over the age of 65. It’s very important that seniors know the symptoms of a blood clot. Seniors who have a blood clot need to get medical help right away.

In-home care can help seniors get help right away which can help save their lives. So if your senior doesn’t have in-home care and they have risk factors of developing a blood clot you should look into in-home care for seniors. The symptoms of a blood clot in seniors include:

Swelling

If a senior notices that they have swelling on one foot, ankle, or calm but not the other that could be a sign of a blood clot. Typically if seniors have edema, or swelling in the legs, it’s in both legs, ankles, or feet. If the swelling is only present in one leg that’s something that should be paid attention to. Swelling that doesn’t go down after a senior sits with their legs raised or lays down is also a concern. Seniors that are prone to edema can wear compression stockings or socks to reduce the swelling.

Cramps

Cramps in the calf can be a sign of a blood clot. However, muscle cramps can also be a sign of nutritional deficiency and other medical conditions. To know if the cramps indicate a blood clot seniors should pay attention to their other symptoms. If the cramp is their only symptom is may not be a blood clot but if they experience cramps in the calf plus other symptoms of a blood cloth they should get medical attention right away.

Discolored Skin

Seniors who notice discolored skin that is red or blue in one area of their calf or part of their leg should get medical help right way. Especially if they are experiencing other symptoms of a blood clot. It’s a good idea for seniors to get any change in the color of their skin checked out right away no matter where the discoloration is. But if it’s on the leg, calf, or ankle it needs to be checked out by a doctor right away.

Warmth

Often when someone has a blood clot one area of their leg will feel warmer to the touch than other parts of the leg. Seniors who experience warmth in one of their legs combine with other symptoms like swelling should go to urgent care or emergency right away to make sure that they don’t have a clot.

Getting treatment for a blood clot right away can prevent serious medical problems like strokes and it can also lead to seniors getting medication what will prevent future clots.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/features/keyfinding-hospitalizations-vte.html
https://pathwayshealth.org/hospice-topics/why-deep-vein-thrombosis-may-be-more-common-in-the-elderly/

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Minnetonka, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.