High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health problem for older adults. As a person gets older, the body’s network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age. The body’s arteries get stiffer which causes blood pressure to go up. When high blood pressure isn’t controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, eye problems, and kidney disease. The good news is that if your elderly loved one has high blood pressure, it can be managed and controlled. Home health care providers can assist with making the recommended changes that will lower his blood pressure.
Here are the best ways for your elderly parent to manage his high blood pressure:
Keep it monitored. Your parent should keep track of his blood pressure to make sure it isn’t getting worse. Having a home health care provider visit the home for routine blood pressure checks is one way to do that without having to worry about leaving the home. A home health care provider can make sure the blood pressure machine is used properly and gets an accurate reading.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight is more likely to lead to high blood pressure and make managing it more difficult.
Get moving. Moderate exercise such as walking or swimming can lower high blood pressure. Your parent should talk to his doctor to help him determine the best way to increase his activity while staying safe. Having a companion such as a home care provider join him might be one way to ensure he’s safe while exercising. He should aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week.
Eat foods that promote a healthy heart. A balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy, and oils can lower your blood pressure. Making sure your parent is well stocked with healthy foods instead of junk food, will help him stay on track while trying to eat well. Sometimes it may mean eliminating all bad food choices from the home.
Reduce salt intake. As a person gets older, their body and blood pressure become more sensitive to sodium. And it’s not just the salt in the shaker your parent needs to be concerned about. Many pre-packaged foods are overloaded with salt during processing. Help your parent to read food labels if he’s not accustomed to it. That way he can make wise choices at the grocery store so he doesn’t bring home bad food choices.
Take any medication as prescribed. If your parent’s doctor has prescribed medication to help him manage his blood pressure, he needs to take it exactly as prescribed. A home health care provider can help him keep on top of his medications. They’re also great resources if the prescribed medication isn’t working well or if your parent doesn’t tolerate it well. His home health care provider can make sure that he can communicate his concerns with his physician. Sometimes it takes several attempts to find the best medication.
With proper monitoring and lifestyle changes, your parent will be able to keep his blood pressure under control.
If you or a loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Murrysville PA, please call and talk to the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Pittsburgh at (412) 693-6009. We will answer all of your questions.
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