If you have a loved one who is growing older, you’re going to want to do your utmost to take care of their health and wellbeing. Here are a few common conditions that are experienced by many elderly individuals, as well as some information on how to help.
Arthritis
While we tend to refer to all forms of arthritis as one, singular condition, the word is actually an umbrella term that covers a number of different types of arthritis. In fact, there are over one hundred forms of arthritis that your elderly loved one could begin to suffer from as they grow older. The most common forms tend to be osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that will cause inflammation in the joints, which can create stiffness, joint pain, and swelling of the joints. People who do experience arthritis will note that it makes them feel uncomfortable or in pain when carrying out routine day to day tasks. Arthritis can also reduce the range of motion. While there isn’t a cure for arthritis, there are a number of treatments and procedures that your loved one could try out to reduce symptoms and flare-ups of the condition. It’s worth taking your loved one to a doctor who will be able to diagnose the condition and make unique recommendations for your loved one’s individual case.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is another condition that is common in the elderly. This is often because the small hairs inside your ear that allow you to hear can slowly become damaged or flattened over the years. Again, this is a condition that doesn’t necessarily have a cure. However, hearing aids and other hearing devices can significantly help, amplifying sound as needed. If you feel your loved one may be experiencing hearing loss, take them to visit an audiologist who will be able to give an official diagnosis and recommend the right hearing aids.
Dementia
Dementia is a serious issue that currently has no cure, but is relatively commonly experienced in the elderly. Common signs of dementia include:
- Memory loss – this could include difficulties in remembering names, events, and other details. You may also find that your loved one repeats the same conversations or stories.
- Concentration – struggling to focus on a given task.
- Organisation – experiencing difficulty in planning events or day to day tasks and chores.
- Communication – struggling to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
- Counting – an ineptitude for basic maths skills such as counting change.
- Changes in personality – a change in personality or difficulties expressing empathy and compassion.
If you believe your loved one may have dementia a doctor’s visit can provide diagnosis and help you to prepare to look after your loved one as the condition progresses.
These are just a few health conditions that are commonly associated with the elderly and that your loved one may face as the years go by. Hopefully, some of the above information has made you aware of symptoms and warning signs and will help you to get your loved one the best care possible.