When seniors don’t manage their high blood pressure properly, they’re running the risk of developing some serious health complications. The reality is that they may be able to take care of their high blood pressure by making some very simple changes to their daily habits. Senior home care providers can make it easier for seniors to adopt some of these common sense changes.
Adjusting the Diet
One of the most common changes doctors recommend for patients who have high blood pressure is to adjust their diet. Reducing salt intake and switching to heart-healthy foods are two of the biggest recommendations. Seniors should always follow their doctor’s advice about specific foods to eat. A good rule of thumb is to incorporate nutrient-rich foods, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Bumping Up Physical Activity
Staying active is important for seniors who are dealing with any type of cardiovascular health concerns. Again, seniors should check with their doctors about how much movement is correct for them. In general, moving for at least 30 minutes most days of the week is a common recommendation. Home care providers can help remind seniors to get some easy movement in every day as part of their routines.
Monitoring How Blood Pressure Is Doing
When seniors understand what their blood pressure numbers are, that helps them to stay informed about what’s working and what isn’t. Doctors can take blood pressure readings, but it’s even easier to do at home with home blood pressure monitors. Senior home care providers can help aging adults with this and also make it easier to log the results.
Limit Problem Substances
Seniors are often surprised to find that some of the things they do actually make blood pressure worse. Alcohol, caffeine, and smoking are just a few examples of these substances. Limiting or quitting them altogether can do a lot to reduce blood pressure more consistently. Some of these changes can also help with other health issues that seniors might be struggling to manage.
Manage Stress
Stress has big health impacts for everyone, but especially seniors. When seniors are battling high blood pressure, they need to do as much as possible to keep stress under control. Embracing hobbies and interests is important, and seniors might also consider trying solutions like meditation. Maintaining social connections also reduces stress because it helps to reduce loneliness. Senior home care providers get to know the people they’re helping, and this is instrumental in helping seniors stay socially engaged.
Prioritize Good Sleep
Sleep is the basis for good health overall, so it’s crucial for seniors to focus on ways to get better sleep. Figuring out what is making sleep quality decline isn’t always easy to do, but home care providers have experience helping seniors sleep better. They can make recommendations that might do seniors a lot of good.
Managing high blood pressure properly is a lifelong issue. When seniors can focus on some of the simple solutions right out of the gate, that can make it easier to manage this health issue later, too. Senior home care providers offer tons of support in meeting this goal, both emotionally and hands-on.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Watertown, MA, please contact the caring staff at PlatinumCare + today. Call (617) 237-0867.
PlatinumCare + was born out of the desire and passion to provide the very best home health care possible in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston MA, and surrounding areas.
All with decades of experience, Tim in IT Operations, Support, and Management, Brenda in Client Relations, Healthcare Services & Sales Management, and Anne in Healthcare as a Nurse Practitioner combined their skills to form what is now PlatinumCare +.
As immigrants to the US, all came from backgrounds where Healthcare for aging parents was a responsibility of the immediate family and the entire community. Aging, sick, or terminal community members were cared for physically, emotionally, and financially by family, friends, including strangers! This community approach, Healthcare with a difference, delivered with the utmost love, care, sacrifice, and passion, forms the basis of how PlatinumCare + grounds itself.
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