Anemia, or iron-poor blood, is a condition that affects lots of American adults.
However, vulnerable elderly adults make up most of the new cases every year. It’s especially troubling to the senior’s health if they already have a chronic condition that depends on proper circulation. Not only is anemia serious for seniors, but it can also go undetected for months or even years before it is noticed.
Recognizing symptoms in aging adults is so important for family caregivers. When family caregivers notice their aging relative is dealing with fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, pale skin, and rapid heartbeat, they may just think it is part of old age. However, these symptoms are common signs of anemia, a common blood condition that affects millions of seniors nationwide.
What is Anemia?
Anemia happens when the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. This is usually due to blood loss or poor production within the body. Certain chronic conditions can affect red blood cells, such as kidney disease, cancer, and digestive system bleeding. Anemia can even occur when the aging adult isn’t getting enough iron in their body from their diet. Without treatment, anemia can lead to negative health issues. Family caregivers must seek medical treatment for their elderly loved one if they suspect anemia.
Why is Anemia Dangerous for Seniors?
Anemia means low red blood cells, and if the bloodstream doesn’t have enough of these important components, it doesn’t have enough hemoglobin, the part that carries oxygen along. If the organs have inadequate oxygen, they won’t function as well. The lungs and heart will work harder, causing them stress and weakening them greatly.
Oxygen-starved organs are particularly hard for elderly adults to recover from due to age-related conditions that may already be putting a strain on the body. That’s why it is so important for family caregivers to make an appointment with a doctor if they even suspect anemia.
How Elder Care Providers Help Prevent Anemia in Seniors
After the doctor diagnoses the cause of the anemia, family caregivers and elder care providers focus on changing the lifestyle of the aging person. One of the most impactful things is to ensure the senior is eating an iron-rich diet. Elder care providers can focus on planning meals with lots of nutrition and get the client to focus on what they are eating.
Iron-rich foods include leafy greens, beans, lean red meat, egg yolks, nuts, fruit, and some seafood. These foods are easy to integrate into meals and snacks. Seniors also need plenty of vitamin C, because that helps the body absorb the iron. If the doctor recommends it, the aging adult may need to take an iron supplement to avoid anemia or to recover from it.
With anemia, there are plenty of ways to avoid it as long as family caregivers and elder care providers are on the same page. Aging adults can live happier and healthier lives when they pay attention to the signs of anemia and, with the help of family caregivers and elder care providers, do what they can to avoid it in the first place.
For more information about hiring a Caregiver in La Costa, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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