How Can You Help Your Senior Control Their High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a very serious risk for aging adults.
Throughout the United States, there are more than 75 million people who are living with high blood pressure. This condition is dangerous by itself, but it can also lead to a variety of very serious health conditions, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease, aneurysm, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, it is possible to control high blood pressure and even help your parent to lower their blood pressure to a point when it is no longer considered hypertension. As their family caregiver, it is extremely important that you take these steps in your regular care routine to protect their health now, and into the future.
Some ways you can help your senior control their high blood pressure include:
Help them to lose weight in a healthy way.
Being overweight or obese is a pressing risk factor for high blood pressure. It also further increases the risk of serious complications for your parents. If your senior is overweight, talk to the doctor about healthy ways you can help them to lose this excess weight. Even a moderate weight loss can make a dramatic difference in your parent’s health.
Get them more active.
Living a sedentary lifestyle, or not being physically active on a regular basis, has a detrimental effect on the body. Encourage your parent to stay active, and engage in activity at least 5 times per week. This will not only help them to maintain a healthier body weight, but it strengthens the cardiovascular system and reduces the strain on the heart.
Support a balanced diet.
Encouraging your parent to give their body what it needs to thrive is an important step in protecting our bodies from all angles, but including reducing their high blood pressure. Help them to eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein. Reduce their consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, and other additives
Cut down on the sodium.
Excessive sodium can make a major difference in your parent’s blood pressure. Help them to learn ways to cut down on the sodium in their diet. This includes learning to read labels, not relying on packaged and convenience foods, and finding different ways to flavor their foods that do not require high levels of sodium.
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. Through a set of highly personalized services, an elderly home care services provider can give your parents the support and care they need to manage their challenges and limitations in individual ways, support safety, and health, boost mental and emotional health and well-being, and encourage your parents to find greater fulfillment in this later chapter of their life. These services can include safe and reliable transportation to where they need and want to go, assistance with tasks throughout the home such as laundry and dishes, support with personal care tasks like bathing and grooming, companionship, medication reminders to help them stay compliant, meal preparation, and more.
Are you or a loved one considering Home Health Care in South Jordan, UT? Please talk to the friendly staff at December Rose Senior Care at Home. Providing Home Care in Highland, Utah and Surrounding Communities. 801-427-ROSE (7673)
Sources:
- What to Do After Your Loved One Has Been Diagnosed with Dementia - February 21, 2020
- Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease - February 5, 2020
- The Main Reasons Why Family Caregivers Don’t Get Enough Sleep - January 22, 2020