​Does Your Mom Have One of the Top Four Chronic Conditions Affecting the Elderly?

Homecare Northbrook Il - ​Does Your Mom Have One of the Top Four Chronic Conditions Affecting the Elderly?

According to the National Council on Aging, 8 out of 10 elderly men and women have at least one chronic condition. Do you know what the top four chronic conditions are? Does your mom have one or more?

Here's what you need to know.

#1 – Cancer

John Hopkins lists breast, colon, lung, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and prostate cancer as the most common forms in the elderly. Treatments depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. In some cases, surgery may be required. Chemo and radiation are other common treatments.

You'll need to make sure your parent stays hydrated and eats enough. It's also important to make sure transportation isn't a problem. Your mom is going to have plenty of appointments with specialists as she fights whatever cancer she has.

#2 – Diabetes

There are more than 12 million men and women in the United States with diabetes. Estimates put the number of people with pre-diabetes at 57 million. If your mom has diabetes, she has a higher risk of heart disease or stroke.

It's important that your mom gets enough exercise and eats a diet that's low in added sugars. She needs to check her blood sugar levels regularly and use insulin or glucose pills to keep her sugar levels stabilized. 

#3 – Heart Disease

The American Heart Association says approximately 70 percent of all men and women in between the ages of 69 and 79 have cardiovascular disease. It increases to 83 and 87 percent of men and women, respectively, after the age of 79.

Medications and surgical treatments are commonly used to fight cardiovascular disease. Heart transplants are also possible. If your mom reaches the point that a surgery is needed, she's going to need help at homecare services. The help she needs will range from medication reminders to assistance with tasks like laundry and housework.

#4 – Stroke

There are hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Hemorrhagic involve a ruptured blood vessel, while ischemic involve a clot. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 8 out of 10 strokes. Urgent attention is needed to restore blood flow to the brain and prevent further damage. That's why FAST is so important. 

F - Facial changes
A - Arms fall down
S - Slurred speech
T - Take immediate action!

Medications to break up the clot or reduce bleeding into the brain are usually the very first step. After that, a surgical procedure may also be required. 

If your mom has a chronic condition, it's important to keep her safe and reduce stress. Homecare services are a good way to ensure she doesn't over do it. A caregiver can take over or help with laundry, meals, and light housework. When you visit, spend your time enjoying each other and not worrying about getting the house cleaned or shopping completed. Call our homecare agency to learn more.

Sources:  https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/healthy-aging-facts/
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gec/series/cancer_aging.html
https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319574.pdf

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Northbrook IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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