HOME CARE IN EDINA MN
Anemia is a condition that causes the body’s red blood cell count to fall below acceptable limits. In plain English, that means there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia is not a disease itself, but it can be an indication of a more serious issue.
Many people don’t know that anemia impacts 15% of those who are 65 or older, making it the most common blood disorder for adults in that age group. As such, it’s important to be aware of its symptoms, causes, and ways to treat it. If your loved one has anemia, this will impact the home care they receive.
Symptoms in seniors can be different than symptoms younger people with anemia will experience. It’s important to make sure you and your parent’s home care provider are aware of the differences so they can recognize them in your parent if they exist. In the following list of symptoms, the first four symptoms are typical symptoms of anemia. The last four symptoms are typical for people over 65.
- Feelings of fatigue
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness and/or lightheartedness
- Breathlessness, even with minimal exertion
- Confusion
- Fainting spells
- Chest pain
- Congestive heart failure
The Causes of anemia can stem from many different things:
- Blood loss from an accident or health condition
- Certain diseases and chronic illnesses
- Vitamin deficiency
- Toxins
Treatment for you aging parent would vary depending on the cause of anemia. It’s important that you take your loved one to a doctor so they can be properly diagnosed. The doctor will also make sure there isn’t a more serious underlying condition at the root of the anemia. If there is another condition, it will need to be treated.
If the anemia stems from an iron deficiency, your mom or dad will likely have to take an iron supplement. Similarly, if it’s cause by a vitamin deficiency, a supplement will need to be taken. Treatment for anemia caused by blood loss will depend on the underlying reason for the blood loss. Blood transfusions have been used to treat anemia, as well as bone marrow transplants.
Anemia can be a serious, but treatable condition. Talk to your mom or dad to find out how they feel. If you or your parent’s home care provider notice your loved one has been confused lately, or exhibiting any of the other symptoms of anemia, take them to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Source
http://www.seniormag.com/conditions/anemia/
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Edina, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
